Ronald Poulton
Ronald William Poulton-Palmer (12 September 1889-5 May 1915) was an English rugby union footballer, who captained England and was killed in the First World War.
Born in Headington, he was the son of Sir Edward Bagnall Poulton, the zoologist and his wife Emily Palmer. He was educated at Rugby School, and Balliol College Oxford. He played for Harlequins and the Barbarians. He captained England during the 1913/4 Grand Slam season, scoring four tries against France in 1914. Poulton-Palmer was renowned for his effectiveness and glamorous style of play - "the very mention of swerving sends ones thoughts to the late Ronald Poulton, the swerver par excellence... swerving and Poulton are almost synonymous terms" (DR Gent in CJB Marriott's Modern Rugby Football).
He changed his name to Poulton-Palmer after inheriting a fortune from his uncle G.W. Palmer of Huntley and Palmer biscuit company in 1913.
He joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He was one of 26 English internationals who lost their lives in WWI.He was shot by a snipers bullet - to a man his company wept at the news.
See also
External links
- sportnetwork article
- Ronnie Poulton-Palmer at www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk
- Commonwealth war graves database entry
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