John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Poat
  • FORENAME
Harry Wall
  • UNIT
Special Raiding Squadron (2 Troop) + 1 SAS (HQ Squadron - 2-in-Command)
  • RANK
Lieutenant (T/Captain) + T/Major
  • NUMBER
123359
  • AWARD
Distinguished Service Order,Military Cross,Mention in Despatches
  • PLACE
Sicily 1943 (MC) Normandy 1944 (MiD) NW Europe 1945 (DSO)
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent units King's Own Scottish Borderers and Army Air Corps
born 15.06.1914, Baubigny, St. Sampson's, Guernsey
son of Frank Wall & Eliza Emma Jones Poat
resided Guernsey
educated Elizabeth College
educated Reading University (BSC Agriculture)
enlisted 12.3.1940
2Lt 1940 Lt 1941 Captain 1942
1 SAS (A Squadron) 28.9.1942-43 (Lt)
Special Raiding Squadron (2 Troop) 1943 (Cap)
1 SAS (2-in-Command) 1944-45 (Major)
1953 Aide-de-Camp to The Queen
died 14.10.1980
London Gazette 36251, 16th November 1943, Page 5062 (MC)
London Gazette 37072, 8th May 1945, Page 2456 (MID)
London Gazette 37172, 10th July 1945, Page 3591 (DSO)
 

CITATION:

Distinguished Service Order : For Action between EALE and RHADE

Major Poat was in command of a detachment of Jeeps of 1 SAS Regiment which on 30 March was leading the advance of the 6 Airborne Div. The leading troop accompanied by Major Poat was ambushed by approximately a company of the enemy who opened fire from both sides of the road. With admirable coolness Major Poat directed the fire of the troop causing heavy casualties to the enemy and causing 50 to surrender. The advance of 6 Airborne Div was then able to continue without delay.

On 8 Apr 45 a troop of Jeeps accompanied by Major Poat was ambushed in closely wooded country by S.S. Troops with two A.F.V.s. Although surrounded on three sides, this officer through his coolness and excellent judgement extricated the majority of the troop taking the wounded with him. But for this officer's personal courage and quick appreciation the whole troop might have been annihilated.

On both occasions Major Poat showed himself to be a magnificent leader coupled with a fine judgement and coolness under heavy fire.

WEB LINKS:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/40157/supplement/2481 (Aide-de-Camp)
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/48460/supplement/17805 (Death)

NATIONAL ARCHIVES:

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C9388647 (DSO)
Last edited by a moderator:
I would be very interested in anything that you may have on Harry Poat who was my cousin. Unfortunately I did not know and did not ask him while he was alive about his service and have only just learned that he won the Military Cross although I did know a little about him having read the book "These men are dangerous". Many thanks for anything that you may have it a direction you could point me in. Mike Burrows
 
I would be very interested in anything that you may have on Harry Poat who was my cousin. Unfortunately I did not know and did not ask him while he was alive about his service and have only just learned that he won the Military Cross although I did know a little about him having read the book "These men are dangerous". Many thanks for anything that you may have it a direction you could point me in. Mike Burrows
Mike, I’m Alec Armitage Harry Poat’s nephew, son of his sister Monica. I know a little bit about him and only found your message because my wife and I are bicycling down the Donau (Danube) and I was trying to look up which hellish 2nd WW concentration camp he was first man into which I think left him scarred for the rest of his life.
Anyway if you get this ping me one back
Alec
 
Mike, I’m Alec Armitage Harry Poat’s nephew, son of his sister Monica. I know a little bit about him and only found your message because my wife and I are bicycling down the Donau (Danube) and I was trying to look up which hellish 2nd WW concentration camp he was first man into which I think left him scarred for the rest of his life.
Anyway if you get this ping me one back
Alec
Hi Alec, I'm actually writing a short summary/book on Harry currently. Would love to speak. Please do get in touch - christian@christian-watson.com
 
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