During World War I, the Germans were still attacking in the sector held by the British division that includes the looters, but Pompey’s men managed to fend off the attackers who appeared to have urgent business elsewhere. Upon being allocated a luxurious residence in Corbie, France for his headquarters, Pompey was amazed by the exquisite furniture, carpets, and collections of photographs, weapons, birds, flora, and fauna. The extravagant dining room, drawing room, and billiard room filled with a collection of gorgeous butterflies left him enthralled.
Despite the imminent danger posed by German shelling in April 1918, Pompey felt compelled to protect the precious art and furniture of the Corbie residence. Upon recommending the removal of the items for their protection to the French government, lorries swiftly arrived to transport them away to safety. Of particular interest to him were the butterflies, which comprised the second-most complete collection in the world. Belonging to the Museum of Paris, the butterflies were classified for a learned publication, prompting Pompey and his men to safely transport the fragile specimens to Flixecourt.
The museum officials were grateful for the safekeeping of the butterfly collection, with a professor proposing an expression of gratitude to Pompey. However, Pompey modestly declined any rewards, stating that service to science should be done without expectation of personal gain. The owner of the Corbie residence also expressed his gratitude to Pompey for helping protect his valuables and contributing to the cause of science. Later in the month of April 1918, Pompey played a crucial role in the decisive counterattack at Villers-Bretonneux, further solidifying his reputation as a valiant and culturally enlightened military commander.
Pompey Elliott’s actions at Corbie and his handling of the delicate butterfly collection highlighted not only his military prowess but also his aesthetic sensibilities and appreciation for the arts. Following his return from the war, Pompey became a prominent figure in Victorian politics, law, and war history, earning widespread admiration and popularity. Despite his achievements, Pompey tragically took his own life in 1931 at the age of 52. The biography of Pompey Elliott by Ross McMullin garnered multiple awards, solidifying his legacy as a heroic and culturally enlightened figure in Australian history.
