February 4, 2024

Our Anzac Solider: Alick Francis Poole

Alick Francis Poole, was born as Alexander Poole at Milton in 1895, the son of William Poole and his wife Elizabeth nee Kells. He grew up at Milton and attended the Croobyar School, Milton School and also Burrill School, and locally known as Frank Poole. At the age of 19 years he enlisted into the war in October 1914, and was assigned to the Anzac Battalion 1^st Light Horse.

He embarked for overseas service bound for the training camp in Egypt aboard HMAT Clan Maccorquodale A6 in February 1915. On arrival he was appointed to the 6th Light Horse Regiment. Lieut. Rupert Cork of Milton wrote many letter home during his war service in May 1915 he wrote from Cairo “No doubt the residents of Milton are wondering how the local boys are getting on in Egypt. Frank Poole is still under my command and a good boy too.

In August 1915 Alick was on the firing line be that of Anzac Cove at Gallipoli in August 1915. After short return to hospital in Cairo Egypt, he was sent back to Anzac Cove until mid-September 1915. He returned back to Egypt, spending much time in Hospital, suffering from bouts diarrhoea and venereal disease.

He spent the rest of the war in Cairo and Abbassia along with the Isolation Camp at Moascar. In August 1916 he sent home to his father William Poole of Wolseley St Milton, an interesting group of pictures from Egypt, which each is interesting in itself, and grouped together they form a large picture of our Saviour, surrounded by smaller pictures.

In November 1916 he was transferred to the 4^th Australian Carmel Regiment at Abbassia. Alick returned home to Australia in March 1919 and discharged in July 1919 after just on five years service in the AIF. On his return home to Milton, he married local girl Linda Hibberd in 1922.

Alick’s name appears on the Milton Ulladulla RSL Honour Roll, Milton Town Memorial, Milton Methodist, Milton Public School, Croobyar School and Burrill School.

Image: Mascot of the 6^th Australian Light Horse, AWM HO 2765