On February 19th, Nova Scotia celebrated its annual Heritage Day by honoring William Hall, born in Horton’s Bluff, N.S., in April 1827. This remarkable individual was recognized for his bravery on the battlefield in 1857 when he was bestowed with the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military decoration.
William Hall’s journey began with his parents, Jacob and Lucy Hall, both former slaves from Maryland who sought refuge in Halifax during the War of 1812. Despite facing discrimination in their pursuit of land grants and employment, their perseverance, along with that of others, contributed to the establishment of numerous African Nova Scotian communities across the province.
As a young boy, Hall engaged in the shipbuilding trade in Hansport, N.S., but his affinity for the sea led him to work aboard merchant vessels traveling to ports worldwide. Eventually, he enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1852 and served with distinction during the Crimean War.
In 1857, Hall sailed aboard HMS Shannon to India during the Indian Rebellion, a resistance campaign against the British East India Company’s oppressive imperialism. Hall, then a navy captain of the foretop, played a pivotal role in hauling large guns overland to Lucknow, where rebels were entrenched. Despite heavy fire, Hall and a fellow sailor, Lt. Thomas James Young, persevered and were awarded the Victoria Cross in October 1859.
Hall continued to serve on various vessels, retiring as a petty officer first class in 1876 after an impressive 24-year career. Despite racial discrimination prevailing at the time, Hall’s long and respected naval career highlighted his effectiveness and earned him admiration.
Following retirement, Hall returned to Nova Scotia, settling near Avonport with his sisters until his death in 1904. Although he was initially buried without military honors, a local campaign in 1937 sought to recognize his military accomplishments. Hall’s remains were later moved, and a cairn near the Hantsport Baptist Church now honors his legacy, featuring a replica of his Victoria Cross.
In 2010, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp featuring Hall, and in June 2015, the Royal Canadian Navy named its fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship HMCS William Hall in his honor.
Today, Hall’s Victoria Cross is part of the Nova Scotia Museum’s heritage collection, symbolizing his valor with a simple inscription: “For valour.”our.”
William Hall was the first Black man to win Victoria Cross added by The Caribbean Camera Inc. on
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