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William Hall, first Black recipient of the Victoria Cross

William Hall, VC, photographed after 1857 (Nova Scotia Museum).
William Hall, VC, photographed after 1857 (Nova Scotia Museum). William Hall VC · Unknown photographer · Photo source · Photo licence: Public domain. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.
Factual accuracy review: No recorded challenge

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William Neilson Hall of Hantsport, Nova Scotia, serving with the Royal Navy in India in 1857, became the first person of African descent and the first Nova Scotian awarded the Victoria Cross. He became a source of pride for Black Canadians.

Scope & context

Hall as described in his designation.

Sources behind this record

1
William Neilson Hall National Historic Person ↗

Parks Canada (Directory of Federal Heritage Designations)

Importance; plaque text