Military Provost Staff Corps

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Soldier Details:
Surname: Poole
Initials:   R.H.
Rank:   Sergeant
Army No.:  23244240
Notes:   RMP. See Major (488703) RMP. London Gazette 45326, 2622, 23/3/1971. Corps of Royal Military Police. Regular Army. Short Serv. Commn. 23244240 WO I. Richard Herbert Poole, BEM. (488703), to be 2/Lt., 11/12/1971. To be Lt., 11/2/1971. See No. 488703 Maj. R H Poole, BEM, MBE for more details.

Decorations/Medals/Awards (3)
  1. Decoration:   British Empire Medal Gazette Date: 1963-06-08 Gazette Issue: 43010 Gazette Page: 4819
Citation:   BEM Kenya. Sgt. Richard Herbert Poole. East African Pro Unit RMP. Unit Sgt. (ie senor NCO or WO in the unit). 27 Aug 60 to 7 Jan 63. Since joining East Africa Command in August 1960 Sergeant Richard Herbert Poole, as the senior non-commissioned officer in the Unit, has carried out the duties far in excess of those normally expected of a non-commissioned officer of his rank and service. With outstanding success he has acted as unit sergeant major, organised and controlled police duties and supervised the unit orderly room, all in a manner far above the normal call of duty. He has not spared himself at any time, working long hours at all times of the day and night driving himself frequently to the limits of his endurance. He has by his personal example, drive and untiring devotion to duty enhanced the prestige of the Corps of Royal Military Police and earned great credit for the Army with all branches of the civil administration. He has shown understanding and patience with his subordinates, always placing their welfare and advancement before his own interests. With superiors he has shown such outstanding tact, initiative and courtesy as to be held in very high esteem by officers of all ranks. The outstanding example he sets in reflected in all those with whom he comes into contact and marks him as a non-commissioned officer who can, indeed, be descried as one of Britain's best ambassadors abroad. Recommended by: DAPM East Africa Command. Colonel. Nairobi.
  2. Decoration:   Member of the British Empire Gazette Date: 1971-10-05 Gazette Issue: 45487 Gazette Page: 10676
Citation:   Awarded MBE as a WOI . Citation: During more than eight months in Northern Ireland, Regimental Sergeant-Major Poole set a splendid example to soldiers, police and civilians alike. On 27th June 1970, he exposed himself to great danger in a clash between rival factions which resulted in the death of several persons. Unarmed and unprotected except by a steel helmet, which was dented during the action, he made several arrests and assisted in others. On 28th September 1970, during serious rioting, he saw a vicious crowd attacking two Royal Marines. One Marine had been kicked and beaten unconscious; the other had his back to a wall fighting to retain his rifle. Though he risked being shot if they obtained the rifle, RSM Poole ran alone into the mob, dragged them off the Marine with the rifle and, standing astride the unconscious man, held off the attackers with his pistol until help arrived. There is no doubt that he saved the men from grave injury. Throughout the period he exerted a steadying effect wherever he appeared and by his bold and courageous action averted clashes on numerous occasions. Number shown as 2324440 in MBE. Later Capt and Maj. Officer No 488703.
  3. Decoration:   Long Service & Good Conduct Medal Gazette Date: 1974-03-26 Gazette Issue: 46246 Gazette Page: 3892
Citation:   Awarded as Capt R H Poole, MBE, BEM. (488703).