No. 18057, Private, John William POOLEY
Aged 24
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John William POOLEY was born in Worlington (Mildenhall Q2-1892 4A:785), baptised in Worlington on 2nd May 1892. He was the son of John William and Minnie Elizabeth
POOLEY (née REDGRAVE).
1901 census... Aged 9, he was at 3 The Street, Worlington with his father John W POOLEY [41] agricultural labourer, born Worlington; his mother Minnie E [32] born Barton Mills; brother Bert [7] and sister Ivy E [5] both born in Worlington, and grandmother Jane [79] born Eriswell. 1911 census... Aged 19, he was a farm labourer, at The Street, Worlington, living with his parents, brother Bert and sister Ivy Eleanor. He was the older brother of Bert Pooley see here who was killed in 1917 near Bullecourt. |
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He enlisted in Bury St Edmunds on 24th September 1912 for 7 years in the colours as No. 8593 Suffolk Regiment, giving his age as 20 years 5 months, from Worlington and a farm labourer. He was discharged on October 28th as within 3 months being considered as unfit for service - para 392 (iii)(c) K.R. 1912 At the time he was 5' 6.25" (168.2 cm) tall, weighed 123 lbs (55.8 kg), chest 35.5" -38" (90.2 to 96.5 cm), grey eyes, dark brown hair. sub para (iii) means he was not likely to become an efficient soldier. sub para (c) was being so considered within 3 months of recruitment. Later the 9th Battalion decided they could take him, train him and send him to France. His Army records for his wartime service have not been found After the fight for Flers-Courcelette there was a lull in the fighting. Bad weather meant no major operations took place between the Somme and the Ancre until the assault on Morval on 25th September 1916. Possibly John and two pals were killed by the same shell, since there were the only three of the 9th Suffolks killed that day. The Bury Free Press of 30th September 1916 reported:- BURIED WITHIN HEARING OF THE GUNS - WORLINGTON MAN KILLED Prvt John W.Pooley, Suffolk Regiment, son of Mr.John Pooley, of Worlington was killed in action in France on 23rd August. The appended letter relates some of the circumstances surrounding the deceased soldier's unfortunate death:- "Mrs.J.Pooley - Friday 25/8/16 Dear Madam, I regret to inform you of the death of your son, J.W.Pooley, who was killed in action at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday the 23rd inst. He was one of the best of my platoon and a favourite with the others of his section. A shell burst in the bay where he was courageously standing to his post. Death was instantaneous. The body was taken down and buried within the hearing of the guns. He did his bit for King and Country. "Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for his friends". I mourn with you, and beg to tender my deepest sympathy - Sincerely Yours - Alfred Fudge, 2nd Lieut - In the field" Much sympathy is felt for he relatives of the deceased, who was only 24 years of age. |
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