Arthur Batten-Pooll

Who was Arthur Batten-Pooll?

Arthur Hugh Henry-Batten-Pooll VC MC 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 Lancers. He had requested to be transferred to an infantry regiment where one was likely to see action, was then a Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion of the 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.