Arthur Poulter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Poulter
VC
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Arthur Poulter, VC
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| Born | 16 December 1893 East Witton, North Yorkshire |
| Died | 29 August 1956 (aged 62) Leeds, West Yorkshire |
| Buried |
New Wortley Cemetery, Leeds
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1916 - 1919 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Arthur Poulter (1893 – 1956) was an English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. This special medal can be given to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces.
A Hero in World War I
Arthur Poulter was a Private in the 1/4th Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. He was 24 years old during the First World War when he showed incredible courage.
His Brave Actions
On 10 April 1918, during a big battle in Erquinghem-Lys, France, Private Poulter was working as a stretcher-bearer. This meant his job was to help wounded soldiers.
He carried badly injured men on his back ten different times. He did this while under very heavy fire from enemy artillery and machine guns. It was extremely dangerous. Amazingly, two of the men he was carrying were hit a second time while on his back.
Later, when his unit was told to retreat across a river, Private Poulter went back. He did this even though the enemy could clearly see him. He rescued another wounded soldier who had been left behind.
He also bandaged about 40 wounded men while under fire. He was seriously injured himself when he tried to rescue another soldier in front of the enemy. His actions saved many lives that day.
More About Arthur Poulter
Before the war, Arthur Poulter worked at the Timothy Taylor Brewery in Keighley, West Yorkshire.
The town of Erquinghem-Lys in France has put up a special memorial to Private Poulter. It is located next to the railway line. In 2005, the town gave the keys to the town to the Duke of Wellington's Regiment.
His Victoria Cross Medal
Arthur Poulter's Victoria Cross medal was given by his family to the Duke of Wellington's Regimental Museum. This museum is located in Bankfield Museum in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England.
The original medal is now kept in a very safe place. A copy of the medal is currently on display at the museum. This is because there was an attempt to steal the original medal.
