Bert Pooley's Repatriation Documents
On repatriation to the United Kingdom, Bert Pooley gave information to the Red Cross. He also spoke to the military authorities and gave them the details that are transcribed below.
Red Cross Reference: AAG-019057
Pte Albert Pooley 2023903; A Company 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment
Statement of Informant
On 27th May 1940 at a little village, ‘PARADIS’ 15 kilo from BETHUNE we were surrounded and captured in a fortified Farm House – It was shelled and set on fire – we evacuated the wounded and surrendered – we were marched along in front of a Pit. As we passed it we were shot into it by M.Gs. I was hit and fell into the Pit with the others. Anyone alive was finished by rifle fire. I feigned to be dead. I lay there for five hours – with a few men over me – I got out of the Pit that night – 27 May – and hid in the village until the 6th June – A German doctor visited me and told the French Civilians to feed me while I was hiding – Then the Head man in the Village told me that unless he handed me over to the Germans the Civilian people would have suffered. He persuaded me to go to a Civilian Hospital – I went into the Civilian Hospital – fell into the hands of the Germans, and have been in Hospital ever since - I have already given the Red Cross the names of those whom I knew to be killed. I cannot swear to any others, though the name HEWITT sounds familiar – The French buried our dead – There is a possibility that some of our men may have been buried without having been identified.
Red Cross Reference: AAG-019057
Pte Albert Pooley 2023903; A Company 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment
Statement of Informant
On 27th May 1940 at a little village, ‘PARADIS’ 15 kilo from BETHUNE we were surrounded and captured in a fortified Farm House – It was shelled and set on fire – we evacuated the wounded and surrendered – we were marched along in front of a Pit. As we passed it we were shot into it by M.Gs. I was hit and fell into the Pit with the others. Anyone alive was finished by rifle fire. I feigned to be dead. I lay there for five hours – with a few men over me – I got out of the Pit that night – 27 May – and hid in the village until the 6th June – A German doctor visited me and told the French Civilians to feed me while I was hiding – Then the Head man in the Village told me that unless he handed me over to the Germans the Civilian people would have suffered. He persuaded me to go to a Civilian Hospital – I went into the Civilian Hospital – fell into the hands of the Germans, and have been in Hospital ever since - I have already given the Red Cross the names of those whom I knew to be killed. I cannot swear to any others, though the name HEWITT sounds familiar – The French buried our dead – There is a possibility that some of our men may have been buried without having been identified.
Bert subsequently received a letter from the War Office casualty branch requesting information on nine of the 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment who they believed to be comrades of Pooley.
The following is a transcript of the above correspondence asking for information on the following:
No 5770776 Private E. G. Allen
No 551577 Drummer G. H. Allsop
No 577069 Corporal A. Bull
No 5772872 Private R. J. Collins
No 5771800 Private R. W. Easby
No 5989286 Private J. A. Harris
No 550490 Private W. A. Hewitt
No 5770939 Private W. Hover
No 5770692 Private H. E. Hughes
Sir
2nd Battalion, The Royal Norfolk Regiment, Missing, BEF
I am directed to enquire whether you are able to furnish information regarding the above soldiers who are still reported Missing BEF, France.
It is understood that they last drew pay from Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, the Royal Norfolk Regiment. As you served in Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Norfolk Regiment, in France, it is thought that you may be in a position to assist the department in the investigations. It would, therefore, be appreciated if you would be good enough to furnish a signed and detailed statement regarding the circumstances in which you last saw the missing soldiers, givug whether you were an actual eye-witness to any casualty you may report. Physical descriptions and apparent ages of the missing soldiers would also assist and home towns and civilian occupations.
If you are unable to give any information, will you please state the names of any officers or men who you think may be able to help in this matter.
A pre-paid label is encosed for your reply.
I am, sir
Your obedient servant.
No 5770776 Private E. G. Allen
No 551577 Drummer G. H. Allsop
No 577069 Corporal A. Bull
No 5772872 Private R. J. Collins
No 5771800 Private R. W. Easby
No 5989286 Private J. A. Harris
No 550490 Private W. A. Hewitt
No 5770939 Private W. Hover
No 5770692 Private H. E. Hughes
Sir
2nd Battalion, The Royal Norfolk Regiment, Missing, BEF
I am directed to enquire whether you are able to furnish information regarding the above soldiers who are still reported Missing BEF, France.
It is understood that they last drew pay from Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, the Royal Norfolk Regiment. As you served in Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Norfolk Regiment, in France, it is thought that you may be in a position to assist the department in the investigations. It would, therefore, be appreciated if you would be good enough to furnish a signed and detailed statement regarding the circumstances in which you last saw the missing soldiers, givug whether you were an actual eye-witness to any casualty you may report. Physical descriptions and apparent ages of the missing soldiers would also assist and home towns and civilian occupations.
If you are unable to give any information, will you please state the names of any officers or men who you think may be able to help in this matter.
A pre-paid label is encosed for your reply.
I am, sir
Your obedient servant.
Pooley's reply was as follows and was dated 13th April, 1944.
Sir
I regret being unable to give any explicit information regarding the men listed overleaf. I can only suggest that these men may have been among the survivors of Bn. H.Q who, after being taken prisoner were machine gunned at Lecompt near Bethune and buried by the French civilians, on May 27th, 1940.
Delay in replying is regretted owing to sickness.
Yours Faithfully
A. L. Pooley
Sir
I regret being unable to give any explicit information regarding the men listed overleaf. I can only suggest that these men may have been among the survivors of Bn. H.Q who, after being taken prisoner were machine gunned at Lecompt near Bethune and buried by the French civilians, on May 27th, 1940.
Delay in replying is regretted owing to sickness.
Yours Faithfully
A. L. Pooley
We are very grateful to the National Archives and the National Archives' image library for allowing us to reproduce the documents.
Below are images of the "capture" documents issued by the German authorities. Their records also contain two references to Pooley's injuries on his left lower leg (sources are two lists from the German authorities), namely "Verletzung Links Unterschenkel" and "Wunde Am Schienbein". this means "injury to left lower leg" and "wound on shin."
The cards below give details of Pooley's name, address in Southall and his signature in his own handwriting. The card comes from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The cards below give details of Pooley's name, address in Southall and his signature in his own handwriting. The card comes from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
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