William Neilson Edward Hall Photo Credit: Veterans Affairs Canada William Edward Hall was the first Nova Scotian, and the First Black person, to receive the Victoria Cross. The Victoria Cross is the highest honour for bravery and valour that can be awarded to members of the British Armed Forces. According to The London Gazette of Feb. 1, 1859, Hall was awarded the illustrious medal, along with Lieutenant James Young, “for their gallant conduct at a 24-Pounder Gun, brought up to the angle of the Shah Nujjiff, at Lucknow, on the 16th of November, 1857.” As “Captain of the Foretop” ...