Pte John ('Jack') Poole, 52107, 12th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, was killed in action in France on March 24th, 1918, during the German spring offensive of that year. He would have been aged 19 on May 12th and was single but with "a sorrowing sweetheart".

Sgt G. Hamilton wrote to parents John and Mary Poole, of 100 Albert Road, Luton, informing them of their son's death, stating that he died gallantly at his post.

Sgt Hamilton wrote: "We had been in action for a day or two. It was only just previous to his death that I had a cheerful chat with Jack. He was on his post at the time - about 9 o'clock on the 24th - and was struck by shrapnel, passing away instantly. We were all very shocked at the news."

Jack Poole had joined the Beds Regiment voluntarily at the age of 15 and three weeks. On going to France he was transferred to the Middlesex Regiment and with them fought for eight months in the battle of Ypres.

Until the outbreak of war he was employed by bleacher and dyer Mr Stewart Hubbard.