First World War (1914-1918)
Canadians in the Royal Navy

Many Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Royal Navy during the First World War, providing much needed personnel, and emphasizing the strong Imperial ties between both dominions and Great Britain.

Albert Medal, Chief Motor Mechanic Ernest Alfred Pooley

This medal was awarded to Canadian Ernest Alfred Pooley for his bravery in saving a life following an explosion and fire in a motor launch.

On the morning of 22 April 1917, Motor Launch ML 431 exploded in Poole Harbour, Dorset. Pooley and another sailor, Herbert Powley, raced to the scene. Discovering Sub-Lieutenant Charles W. Nash trapped in the burning wreckage, they went to his rescue, with all three men escaping from the vessel just before its fuel tanks exploded. Pooley, awarded the Albert Medal for his bravery, was shortly afterwards invalided back to Canada suffering from what would now likely be diagnosed as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Pooley's Albert Medal - awarded for gallantry and saving life at sea - is one of only three awarded to Canadians in naval service during the First World War.

Albert Medal, Chief Motor Mechanic Ernest Alfred Pooley
Tilston Memorial Collection of Canadian Military Medals
CWM 20010215-001