22819 Guardsman 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards
David Pole was born in April 1892 in Bridgwater, to Thomas Pole and Eliza Ann Passmore. In 1901 his father Thomas worked as a brickyard foreman and David was one of seven siblings. The family lived in Saltlands House. In 1911, aged 18, David lived in 12 Mary Street, Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil, working as a collier boy underground in a coal mine. He was living with the family of his older brother James, who also worked in the mine.
During the war he enlisted in Cardiff, joining the Grenadier Guards. He was killed 2 December 1917, during the Battle of Cambrai. He was 25 years old. David's unit had managed to fight their way into a French village of Gonnelieu but on arrival met a strong and determined Germans counter attack and were forced to withdraw, during which time David was killed in action. His death was reported in the Bridgwater Mercury on 2 January 1918.
He is buried in the Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, plot XI. A. 5. His name was added to his brothers memorial in the Wembdon Road Cemetery (memorial 692) which inscription reads: 'In Loving Memory of Reginald Pole born March 22nd 1896 died August 6th 1913. His father and mother sought him sorrowing. Also David Pole brother of the above who fell in France December 2nd 1917 aged 25 years. Also Thomas Pole father of the above who died November 25th 1927 in his 77th year. Also Eliza Ann wife of Thomas Pole who died October 30th 1937 aged 85 years. Welcome is the giver'.
