William Arnold Pollin 1896 – 1918
William was born in Tydd St Marys, Lincolnshire, in 1896, to William and Frances Maud (née Whitaker). When the family moved to Shepherdswell, he assisted his father as a clothier dealer.
William originally attested on the 30th November 1915 for the Royal Artillery Regiment, aged 19 and standing 5’ 9½” tall.
He was discharged less than a month later, on 22nd December 1915 as “not being likely to become an efficient soldier” when he did not pass his trade test. He went back to his parents’ home at Yewcroft, Church Hill, and his job as a motor cycle belt maker.
It would appear that William was given at least one exemption from joining up following this, however a further application in September 1916 was refused and he joined the 9th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) as a private, service no. 86852.
He was killed in action on 13th April 1918. It was instantaneous, as a machine gun bullet went through his heart.
He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanren, Belgium.
His brother, John, survived the War.