Nova Scotia sailor honoured with commemorative stamp
Posted Feb 3, 2010 05:57:25 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The first Canadian sailor and first black man to receive the Victoria Cross is being honored with a commemorative stamp issued by Canada Post.
William Hall was also the first Nova Scotian to be awarded the medal.
The stamp was unveiled during a ceremony Tuesday at the Black Cultural Centre.
Hall was born in Horton in 1827. He later joined the Royal Navy and was involved with British forces during the Indian Mutiny in the mid-1800’s.
He received the Victoria Cross for manning a cannon under heavy enemy fire at the Battle of Lucknow.
Master Cpl. Phillip Safire of the Canadian Navy is a direct descendant of Hall’s.
He’s pleased his ancestor is being recognized.
“Yes, it was recognized by the awarding of the Victoria Cross,” he said. “But it’s good to have a lot of people in the black community to be aware of such heroes and upstanding citizens and people who they can emulate.”
Black Cultural Centre director Henry Bishop says it’s a proud moment.
“The is the first time in history after 150 years that William Hall has been commemorated on an actual stamp that will go international,” he said. “That’s the main thing, plus he’s Nova Scotian.”
The commemorative stamp features a photo taken of Hall around 1900.
