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The following letter was written by Reg to his father when he was on leave in London; it gives an account of the fighting he had been involved in.

King George and Queen Mary’s Club
For Overseas Forces.
Pell House
Regency Street
LONDON. S.W

Dear Dad,

Just a few lines to let you know that I am on leave in London, and having a fine time. I have been over most of the large buildings and also through the Kings Stables, which are very nice. I am staying at the above and it is so good. I have a room to myself and there is a bath wash house, Billiard room and smoking room so it is good oh.

Well I visited Uncle Reg the other day and had tea with them. I have been there three times; they are so good nothing seems to be too much trouble for them. I went to see Aunt May’s mother and she said how fond she was of you, she is a fine old lady.

I have seen a few plays over here and I’m going to the Zoological Gardens then to a play in the evening with Aunt May and Uncle Reg. Dad, we have had the fighting hard and rough lately up on that Somme, we have been there for 3 months but expect to be relieved soon, and go on a quieter front for a spell, to be taken out for a day or two is so good. I have two Bibles and one contains a dispatch, which I carried on the 19th July when our Battalion lost 1039 out of 1100, and I happened to be one of the lucky ones, and pulled through. The 59th Battalion, which was on our right, went over with 1100 and came out with 78 so they were a little better off. I crossed the top six times that day with despatches and twice to fetch in wounded that is how I won my medals. When we advanced we went 40 yards and lost all our men so the little gain was not worth the loss of life but we were not the only one that lost as the ground was covered with as many Germans as our lads.

Well Dad there is very little news except the best of a short time, Dad give my love to all and best wishes.

Believe
Your Loving Son
Corp Reg E. Poulter.

P.S. I am sending home by this mail my Bible with a despatch in.
P.S. Do you know a Mrs Fogarty in N.S.W you will wonder why I ask this but I received a parcel from her while I was in France and I have been wondering how they knew me and my address.

Reg

Reg was awarded the Military Medal and the Russian Medal of St George 4th Class for his work at Petilion on the 19th and 20th of July 1916. He was recommended for the Russian medal of St George 2nd Class which appears to have been downgraded. The citations for both awards are the same but are recorded separately, his citation states:

"At Petilion on 19th/20th July 1916, Private Poulter courageously volunteered and successfully carried an important message from the front attacking lines in ‘No Man’s Land’ back 300 yards to our own trenches under a withering machine gun and artillery fire. Later during the action he showed conspicuous gallantry on many occasions carrying important messages from our firing line".



While on leave he visited his Uncle and Aunty who was very impressed with their Aussie nephew, the following letter was written by Reg’s Uncle Reginald Poulter to his father, it seems Reg was named after his Uncle.

67 Gordon Mansions,
Gower Street. W.C.
Jan, 23rd 1917.

My Dear Harry,

Your 60th Birthday letter arrived in due course and I am now able to answer your questions first hand, and I feel some pleasure in being able to write you on a subject so full of interest to you. For I have been conscious that there has been little left of mutual interest to you and I at the end of this 33 years since you left England and I to Bartholmews. Your life, business, pleasures and family has been nebulous and one had no definite conception of their reality until the sturdy little Corporal Dutch turned up last week at the flat.

First of all he looks in the very peak of good condition, hard, firm, quiet and reticent of his heroic performance. This day he has returned to France after his weeks leave. I suppose the first thing he did on his arrival in London was to get rid of his old clothes etc, for he was very new and smart on his coming up to us. Although he has been practically the whole time with us, it was but two days ago that I got all the information I wanted for you. But, “Somewhere in France” his people were in a tight corner, and someone had to go across “No Mans Land” under heavy gun bombardment and racking machine gun fire. So Master Dutch went and got through; and then someone had to go back again, and Master Dutch started to go back but almost within a few yards came on a badly wounded man. So he collars hold of him and takes him safely, and then off to finish his job at the greatest of risk, and safely delivered his messages without a scratch on him.

He is very modest about it all, and I think sick of all the enquires from everybody as to how he got his decoration. His Military Medal and Russian Order of St George were both awarded for the same deed. Imagine, the 4th Army formed up in three parts of a square, the Bugles sounded, Generals dashed up, the men at attention, Imagine the few Officers and men for decorations in the back ground. Then one by one being called out whilst the Divisional General reads out the recipient’s record, and the General of the 4th Army, Plumer, pins on the decoration, shakes hands, pats him on the back and says he is proud of him. In view of them all and then the whole lot pass the decorated men and salute them. What a moment, of course you see nobody else about with these decorations, and people and soldiers all glance at him as he goes along and I suppose, wonder how this sturdy boy has got them. I gather he is as much appreciated in his Platoon as Pompey Elliott is with the Australian Contingent. We like the boy immensely, he is such an odd mixture of practical man who has to use his brains and the boy who likes adventure. He is also serious minded about work and of course satisfied that there is no place like Australia.

I see some resemblance to you as I remember you and he states that you and I are very much alike. We have shown him what he has wanted to see and round to a few places of amusement, but I think they all fall short of those he is used to at home. Of course I think he enjoyed being with us and talking about you all to us, and we now feel we do know a little about Mum, Fred and Min. But on the other hand, we are rather mature for such a youngster and would have liked to have given him some young people to fraternise with. May and he however, got on capitally together and I think he was sorry to leave us yesterday, and go back to France. When he has another leave I have no doubt we shall see him turn up.

You may perhaps remember that I have hardly any movement in the joints of my thumbs, and our Mother was the same. I asked Reg if any of you have this peculiarity, and he said “No” but on testing him, he has exactly the same condition. He is also born in the same month as Pater and myself. Practically all the skating rings are closed, but May unearthed one at Cricklewood where he astonished the natives in spite of the rotten skates they supplied him with. He has been teaching her card tricks games of patience etc.

I do not know how proud you are of this little Warrior, but I am sure we are and have great reason to be so, as he is a Stirling little soldier of character. We took him over to see old Mrs Poulter, who has been in bed many weeks, nothing more wrong than usual, but getting old and infirm. She seemed pleased to see Reg and was interested in his decorations and enquired how often he heard from you all, whether Fred was like him and much astonished to hear of that elegant young gentleman’s height. I was surprised to hear you all so big and swell at bowls. The games of skill have ever attracted our little lot, and I dare say you knew I won the medical Golf Tournament some seven years ago. I dare say you will be surprised to know that I subbed up my Masonry again a year ago. The National Guard started a Lodge and it became rather a great thing. The G.O.C. Sir Frances Lloyd was elected Master this Masonic year and the T.W Chair was offered me so I took it. But it is now 15 years since I went through the Chairs of the Craft and Royal Arch, and then became too busy and not very interested. Now to tell you about May, who is a nice pretty woman and not very strong, but quite a good one to do her share of Canteen work etc. We have so far of course we are at war and one must take what comes our way, and thank heaven for strength to do it with.

I am nearly 53, not nearly 50, and apparently greyer than you according to Reg, but otherwise much alike only you affect a closer crop than mine. We are sending you a few magazines etc, now to tell you of others you have known. Nellie never writes, Frank once a year, Freds widow and child get on all right, Mrs Vorley is getting rather the old lady but full of doubt in everything, especially with Will who is in the Army Service Corps. Neville Roberts is defunct, and I do not see anything of Mrs Elsworth or Mrs Roberts, they have gone into curious groove, but Pel and Dot, both married, we see occasionally Charles Stewart, Andy McHarg and a few others who flit from side to side. I see occasionally and they invariably have something to say of yourself in an appreciative manner.

Now this is rather a lengthy epistle, but the chief subject demanded some space. We are quite fond of your boy and although he is apparently as undemonstrative as we are, I think he knows he has friends if he needs them, who would spare nothing in time, trouble or money to help him if he needs it. He however is confident and would not change his job for anything at present. Mary unites with me in love to you all.

Yours Sincerely,
Reginald Poulter.

Sadly Reginald was killed on the 12th May 1917 he was only 20 years old at the time of his death and is remembered with honour on the Villers –Bretonneux Memorial. One account of his death was given by 1689 Lance Corporal J.T MacDougall also in B Company “Cpl R.E Poulter was in B Coy and either 5 or 6 Platoon. His number was 2878, before joining up he used to work in the chemistry Department of the rubber works at Dunlop in Melbourne. He was the only man called Poulter in B Company. I saw a shell fall in front of Poulter and blew him to pieces during the fighting at Bullecourt. Lt Leslie who was close by Poulter was killed by the same shell and Sgt Pyke were also wounded by the same shell. I was about 30 yards from them when this happened. It was in Daylight and I believe that Poulters body was afterwards buried.

The following letters were written after Reg was killed and show how much he was missed by family and mates that he served with, also the impact it had on his officers. It was quite clear had he lived he would have been promoted through the ranks and most likely have been awarded other decorations.

This letter is missing the first page; it is believed to have been written by one of Reg’s Uncles in 1917.
The conversation, it turned out he knew little Reg Poulter very well, both at Broadmeadows Camp, and more especially in Egypt. He says his tent & Reggie’s were very close together in Egypt, and he says what a fine fellow Reg was, and what a good living chap he was. Reg frequently helped at Sunday Services giving out Hymns and assisting with service generally. This fellow tells me how greatly Reg was respected and says he never used to think of going to bed without kneeling down and saying his prayers. At first, the other lads use to joke and throw their putties at Reg, but finally they respected him to such an extent that when any of them entered the tent and Reg was on his knees, they either went out until he had finished or kept perfectly silent.

Just imagine how interested I was in the conversation, when this very fellow told me that when he was wounded it was Reg that helped to carry him away. I happened to have the photo in my pocket that you sent from the paper and this fellow recognised it at once, and old Vlanie was standing beside me and heard all the good things this fellow had to say about Reg. He said that Russian medal received is valued by the men far greater than a “VC” it is a great honour.

I’m a hardhearted devil sometimes, but I can assure you this recruiting Sergeant brought the gravy to my eyes telling me about Reggie Poulter. This same fellow was speaking at the Town Hall Melbourne off and on for 5 weeks and he hits the wasters up alright. He spoke at the Hall here one night recently, and told the fellows if they only knew what was going on in the battle field, they wouldn’t stay here for 5 minutes longer than they could help (that is if there is anything of human feelings left);but, says he (and the Hall was full). If your Country is not worth fighting for than get to hell out of it quick and lively.

I should think Harry Poulter would be proud if he had heard this fellow speak so well of Reg. At the same time it would make him feel it very keenly at Reg being killed and so many wasters left. Reg must have had some splendid qualities and points in him; otherwise a man couldn’t speak so well as this Sergeant did. I will give him your address so that if he comes to Melbourne he can look you up, but he told me he doesn’t think he will be in Melbourne again. However if he does I would like you to ask him to tea, one thing it won’t cost you 1d for a shout if ever he calls. For he told me he had never had even a soft drink in a Hotel in all his life; and he never used a bad word until he got to Gallipoli. Then he said he could swear with the best of the lads soon after he got there. He smokes a cigarette, so if he calls, you’ll understand.

I was to have seen the Sergeant at “Blumberg” on Saturday afternoon (Aust Day) but I did not get there until half past four, and I missed him, but will see him again soon. We have our day (if not before). I told him I did not think Alice had received Reggie’s Medals and other things, he said, there’s a lot to be done and gone through before they would be sent to Alice. But they will reach her in due course, so when Evelyn goes to Alice’s again ask if they have come to hand, and if not, I will find out for her what to do, in order that she can bustle the Military people up.

If you happen to mention the contents of this letter to either Alice or Harry, no doubt they would like to know who this Sergeant is, and where he can be found; if they write to Sergeant Stephens, care of myself, I will see he gets the letter. It's only natural the parents of Reggie would like to know all that is possible and if the conversation interested me, it would interest Alice and Harry 10 times more. I hope this will find you OK and with love to you and self from all here,

Your aff brother,
Fred

This letter was written by a Mate of Reg’s to his parents from the Caulfield Hospital in Victoria.

No 5 Ward Caulfield Hospital,
12.6.17

Dear Mr & Mrs Poulter,

I trust you will excuse the liberty I am taking in writing to you as I am a stranger, my reason for doing so is that I knew your son Reg well, and in this morning's Age, much to my regret I saw an announcement of his death. I felt that I would like to send you a few lines to try and convey my heart-felt sympathy for your sad lost. I am only one of a great many of his mate who admired him, not only for his bravery but also for the other fine qualities which he processed.

I first met him when we formed the 60th Battalion in Egypt, and from then till the 19th July, when I was wounded, we were in the same Platoon. Reg was a great favourite, not only with the Privates in “B Coy of the 60th Battalion”, but also with the Officers, and he was known by us all as a real “white man”, in using the term “white man” it means the highest compliment that one soldier can pay to another.

I know very well that you must always have felt very proud of having such a son, but my word if you could have seen the life he led, then you would understand there are still prouder of him if it were possible. As you can understand there are all sorts of temptations in the Army, but Reg always seemed to know just the real true life to follow, It was grand to hear about the honour which he brought to our Battalion through his pluck on the 19th of July; and it seems hard to think that he has not been spared to come back home to you, however, he has made a name that will never be forgotten by those who know him. We also have the satisfaction of knowing that he died a Hero’s death, giving his young life willingly and freely so that right might triumph over wrong.

I am not an over religious chap myself, but I know there is a better world than this and in thinking of your son, my mate; I believe he is now home in a home where I hope to meet him some day. In conclusion I can only say that I know what sorrow is and therefore I can feel very much for others, in a case like yours I hardly know the right words to say but what I’ve said in this letter comes from my heart. I must ask you to excuse lead pencil writing and scribble, as I am not allowed out of bed.

I will close now with kind regards and sympathy,

From one who feels the loss of a mate.
Lance Corporal J. Beale, 750
60th Battalion.

The following letter was written by Captain Tom Kerr who was Officer commanding B Company of the 60th Battalion, it is quite clear that the Company was missing Corporal Poulter.

France 26-6-17
To Mr E.H. Poulter,
80 Nelson Rd

Dear Sir,

No doubt by this time you have heard of the death of your Son Reg and I now offer you and your family my deepest sympathy for you in your sorrow.

My pen cannot explain I am sure how much your boy is missed by his pals and by “B” Company Officers, including myself. I have been with the Bn since its inception, and since the 19th July OC “B” Company. Your boy has always been under my eye and his was a promising future cut short. I can’t speak too much or highly of his bravery and courage under fire as his Military Medal and Russian Decoration speak for that alone.

It was I, who was with him in “No Mans Land” on that memorable 19th July and I shall never forget his coolness. I understand he sent a Bible home with some messages written in it by me. I could go on speaking, of his virtues and sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct always, but will not say more now, only live in hopes of being able to look you up personally someday myself if I get through.

He was buried in the Bullecourt area with a little cross to mark the spot. The above is a sad place for Australians, as many brave lads fell there.

However it is a comfort to know, or I hope it will be same, that your boy died as a brave gentleman worthy of his native soil and a credit to those near and dear to him. Of him you may well feel proud and as I said above, it is my sincere wish that I may someday call on you to give you further tidings.

Again with my deepest sympathy for those near and dear to him.

I remain
Yours Sincerely,
Tom Kerr, Capt.
60th Bn A.I.F.

It was only today we got notice that amongst others, he was to get his Medal (Military) next Sunday. I will see that it is forwarded direct to you from our Brigade. His Russian Medal 4th Class Order of St George you should apply for from The Defence Department Melbourne.



This letter was from Reginald Poulter in England writing to his brother, it is clear that they missed Cpl Poulter and his death had taken its toll on the family members in the United Kingdom.

67 Gordon Mansions,
Gower Street, W.C
Sept.9.1918

My Dear Harry,

Your letter dated July 7th arrived this morning. Perth on the map looks a ungetatable place, except by boat. Our maps not showing railroads, but the Great Victorian Desert certainly suggest difficulties of land transit. I was very glad to get your letter and the desire to have a photo of the boy’s resting-place has been in our minds and we knew it would be treasured by you. But there are considerable difficulties I think, and if the Australian Red Cross, who interested themselves much in the matter are able to do anything they will.

Some months back I wrote to Capt Tom Kerr but received no reply nor was my letter returned, I will write him again.

Oct 22nd 1918 with the regaining of ground during the last few weeks, I expect there will be much increased possibility of getting photos of those worn torn localities. But perhaps no doubt, sooner or later, we shall be able to find something that will the dearer to you, to us all in the knowledge that it represents the spot where the boy’s supreme sacrifice was made. I am quite sure he was quite happy, he believed in his luck and perhaps providence gave him the best of gifts. Perhaps the greatest of all gifts for a man, who has played the heroic simple part of Reg, is to quit life full of a spirit, which he might never again experience. To leave life at your best has triumph about it and a reward too, which the best of us can only guess at and imagine.

I remember Reg’s modest account of his receiving his decoration before the whole of his division, at the hands of Plumer. That is stirring enough, but it pales before the thought of the reception of those like Reg when they find themselves part of the eternity of things.

I do not think I can claim to be particularly religious, but I do not think there is any man who I would as willingly changed places with as my sturdy young name sake. I do not think I might be exultant at the completeness of his life, and the fineness of his character.

I have not heard from Frank since Reg’s death. I have never heard from Nellie since the Paters. I do not know if she exists but if she does, we do not as far as any demonstration of interest on her part.

Her Husband was a Doctor and perhaps he may yet appear with the Yankee Forces who are very good stuff and learning what our boys have gone through and appreciate them. May sends her love to you both. She has today (22-10-18) received a letter from Alice, Remember me to McHay when you see him.

Yours ever,
Reg

The last letter was written by General Elliott to Mrs Poulter and shows how much he cared for his men.

228 Prospect Hill Road,
Surrey Hills.
11-07-19.

Dear Mrs Poulter,

I recently had the pleasure of having a conversation with your husband, Mr E.H. Poulter in Melbourne. He recalled to my mind the death of your very gallant and distinguished son, the late Corporal Poulter of the 60th Battalion, who formerly served under my command.

I understand that a letter of congratulations, which I forwarded at the time to Corporal Poulter, has been lost. I regret that all the Brigade records were lodged at the records office in London, and that I cannot therefore obtain a copy for you.

I enclosed however, a little narrative of the event which is far as I can recall at this length of time, correctly describes the incident in connection with which his decoration was won. Corporal Poulter, 60th Battalion served under my command in France from the day of disembarkation, 5th July 1916, until his death in action at Bullecourt in May 1917. During that period he repeatedly showed great gallantry and intrepidity under fire and notably on one occasion at Fliscfaix, shortly after arrival in France. At that time Corporal Poulter was a Signaller of the 60th Battalion and shared a dug out or shelter near the front line with three other Signallers. In the shelter was a small switchboard providing telephone connection with the front line Companies.

As enemy attack was expected and it was most important that communication should be kept intact with the front line companies. During the heavy bombardment, which was going on, an enemy shell of large calibre suddenly struck the dug out completely destroying it by the force of its explosion. The occupants were buried in the debris and it was subsequently found that with the exception of Corporal Poulter, all had been killed and the telephone connections destroyed. Corporal Poulter was wounded by the shell fragments and dazed by the concussion of the explosion and buried in the ruins of the dugout. He extracted himself from the debris and notwithstanding the intense shelling which continued without ceasing a moment, devoted himself to the urgent work of repairing the shattered and severed telephone communications which he successfully accomplished. He remained at his post suffering from pain and shock, until a relief from Headquarters reached him after a considerable period. His fortitude and devotion to duty under the most nerve wracking conditions very strongly impressed me, and I brought his conduct to the notice of the Divisional Commander. This resulted in the Decorations of the Military Medal and Russian Cross-of St George were shortly afterwards conferred upon him.

Great as this reward is I feel that it hardly does sufficient credit to his merits and regret that his early death prevented his advancement to commissioned rank, which he would, in my opinion, have attained had he been spared.

H.G. Elliott Brig Gen
CB, CMG, DSO, DCM
Late commanding 15th Australian Inf Bgde
11-7-19