Arthur Batten-Pooll

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Arthur Hugh Henry Batten-Pooll
Victoria Cross Medal without Bar.png
Born 25 October 1891
Knightsbridge, London
Died 21 January 1971
Ivybridge, Devon
Buried at St Lawrence's Churchyard, Woolverton
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch Flag of the British Army.svg British Army
Years of service 1911 - 1919
Rank Captain
Unit Somerset Light Infantry
5th (Royal Irish) Lancers
Royal Munster Fusiliers
Battles/wars World War I
Russian Civil War
Awards Victoria Cross
Military Cross

Arthur Hugh Henry Batten-Pooll VC MC (25 October 1891 – 21 January 1971) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 24 years old, from Bath and was previously an officer with the Somerset Light Infantry and the 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers. He had requested to be transferred to an infantry regiment where one was likely to see action, was then a Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Munster Fusiliers, British 1st Division during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.:

"On 25 June 1916 near Colonne, France, Lieutenant Henry-Batten-Pooll was in command of a raiding party when, on entering the enemy's lines he was severely wounded by a bomb which broke and mutilated all the fingers of his right hand. In spite of this he continued to direct operations with unflinching courage. Half an hour later during the withdrawal, while personally assisting in the rescue of other wounded men, he received two further wounds, but refusing assistance, he walked to within 100 yards of our lines when he fainted and was carried in by the covering party."[1]

He later achieved the rank of captain.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.[2]


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