Thinking of Private Arthur Poulter VC

A remarkable individual, youngest of twelve children.

Six years ago I wrote a piece about Private Arthur Poulter VC and it is worth revisiting this year, and every year; as I think back to his actions on the 10th of April 1918 and the corresponding day 100 years on as I found myself sitting in the church in East Witton that day in April 2018.

Back then, I was reflecting on a dark time for me when I discovered Pte. Poulter and was truly inspired by him. Looking back it makes me realise still how important inspirational characters are for all of us; and how they stand apart from the vast majority of folk we often have to put up with in our daily lives.

Here is to remembering Private Arthur Poulter VC.

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On the 10th of April last year I was sat at the back of the church in East Witton, Wensleydale sobbing while learning about Pte Arthur Poulter, the only Dalesman ever to have been awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest honour for courage in the face of the enemy. Here I was, in his home village surrounded by the family and regimental comrades of this incredible man, exactly 100 years to the day after his astonishing actions in the great war.

Pte Poulter was a stretcher-bearer with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment and earned his VC during one of the German Army's final attempts to beat the Allies. Stormtroopers broke through the front lines and Private Poulter’s battalion was moved up in support at the northern French village of Erquinghem-Lys. Instructed to hold a railway line, the 150 Yorkshire soldiers sustained heavy casualties from German machine guns. Only one officer and ten men returned from the action, leaving behind many severely wounded. His citation read;

"On 10 occasions Pte Poulter carried badly wounded men on his back to a safer locality, through a particularly heavy artillery and machine-gun barrage. Two of these were hit a second time whilst on his back. Again, after a withdrawal over the river had been ordered, Pte Poulter returned in full view of the enemy who were advancing and carried back another man who had been left behind wounded. He bandaged up over 40 men under fire, and his conduct throughout the whole day was a magnificent example."

His Great Granddaughter was present with his Victoria Cross that afternoon and after the church service, the band played while we stood in the mud and rain as his magnificent plaque was unveiled commemorating his actions.

Now here was somebody doing something important, somebody who inspired me, somebody who gave me some perspective; somebody who led by example.

Somebody worth getting piss wet through for.

Spurred on by Pte Poulter VC. I set off on a crusade to lead a better life. This Wednesday, a year on, I am going to see him with some flowers, to say thank-you.

You see, once I got better and realised what was important in life, I started to move forward.

Armed with the mental health kit-bag, some real-life perspective and a dose of inspiration from Pte Poulter VC; I could do anything.

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Well that was seven years ago now and one hundred and seven since Private Poulter VC performed those incredible feats.

I will be popping some daffodils on his plaque this weekend, he has continued to inspire me to do anything, indeed.

Thanks You.

More Information about Private Arthur Poulter VC can be found here