General Sir Frederick Poole

Major General Sir Frederick Poole was a retired major who was promoted to command the Allied capture of Archangel in 1918 and led a mission to Generals Denikin and Krasnov. His diaries and letters, previously unpublished, have been used to tell his story from his perspective.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

The First World War presented remarkable opportunities to individuals who had prior experience or were currently serving as professional soldiers. One such example is the career of Major General Sir Frederick Poole. Retired as a major in 1914, Poole swiftly ascended the ranks on the Western Front as a pioneering artilleryman. In 1916, he was sent to Russia to report on its artillery and quickly established himself as a key figure. Poole had a front-row seat to the Russian Revolution, witnessing its events firsthand in Petrograd and extensively touring various regions of Russia for inspection purposes. As the tensions between the Allies and the Bolsheviks escalated, Poole was the ideal candidate to lead the successful Allied capture of Archangel in 1918. He subsequently assumed command of a mission to meet with Generals Denikin and Krasnov, the leaders of the White Russian forces in southern Russia.

The book "General Sir Frederick Poole" is based on an extensive collection of diaries and letters written by Poole during his military career, which have been previously unpublished. Access to this archive, which also includes numerous wartime photographs taken in France and Russia, has enabled Henry Poole, General Poole's grandson, to present the story of his grandfather from his unique perspective.

Sir Frederick Poole's military career was marked by a series of impressive achievements. He served in various theaters of war, including the Western Front, where he demonstrated his expertise in artillery tactics. His leadership skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances earned him the respect of his peers and superiors.

In Russia, Poole played a crucial role in the Allied efforts to counter the Bolshevik revolution. He was an eyewitness to the events that led to the Bolsheviks' seizure of power and the subsequent civil war. His knowledge of the Russian language and culture allowed him to establish valuable relationships with Russian military leaders and civilians, which proved instrumental in the success of the Allied mission.

One of Poole's most notable achievements was his command of the Allied capture of Archangel in 1918. Archangel was a significant port city on the Black Sea that had been held by the Bolsheviks since the Russian Revolution. Poole's mission was to lead a combined force of British and Russian troops to capture the city and restore it to Russian control. The mission was successful, and Poole's leadership was instrumental in securing the city's liberation.

After the end of World War I, Poole continued to serve in the military until his retirement in 1922. He was awarded numerous honors and decorations for his service, including the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for bravery in the face of the enemy.

In conclusion, Major General Sir Frederick Poole's career is a testament to the opportunities and challenges that the First World War presented to professional soldiers. His experience in Russia, where he witnessed the Russian Revolution firsthand and played a key role in the Allied capture of Archangel, showcases his exceptional leadership and adaptability. The book "General Sir Frederick Poole" provides a valuable insight into the life and career of this remarkable soldier, offering a glimpse into the events and experiences that shaped his remarkable military career.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 234 x 157 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803136073