In October 1939 he led the first German aerial attack on the United Kingdom, during which he was shot down and captured.
Hauptmann (equivalent to Flight Lieutenant) Pohle, was the group commanding officer (Gruppenkommandeur), of Kampfgeschwader 30 (I. KG 30) from Westerland, Germany in Sylt and led the German raid known as the Battle of the River Forth.
He was shot down by Squadron Leader Ernest Stevens, the commanding officer of 603 Sqn, based at RAF Turnhouse (now Edinburgh Airport).
After the left engine was hit at around 14:55 the attack by the Spitfire injured the rear gunner and radio operator.
Pohle's aircraft did not land on UK soil but in the sea, three miles east of Crail.