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MB1627

POOLEY, Ernest, Chief Motor Mechanic, RN

Issued: 4-Sep-1917, London Gazette

"On the 22nd April 1917, a violent explosion occurred on board H.M. Motor Launch 431 while she was lying alongside the jetty at the base. The after part of the vessel was wrecked, and it at once became known that Sub-Lieutenant Charles W. Nash lay buried, and it was clear that there was imminent danger of the after petrol tanks exploding at any moment. Regardless of the fact that this would mean certain death to them, Powley and Pooley jumped on board the vessel and succeeded in extricating Sub-Lieutenant Nash from beneath the wreckage and carrying him to the jetty. As they were leaving the boat, the whole of the after part burst into flames, and, in all probability, had they been delayed for another thirty seconds all three would have perished. Deckhand Powley, who led the way on board the burning motor launch, had subsequently to be sent to hospital suffering from the effect of fumes."

Note: ALBERT MEDAL IN BRONZE (FOR SAVING OR ATTEMPTING TO SAVE LIFE AT SEA)