When he returned from Washington, Poett requested that the War Office return him to regimental duty and give him command of a regular infantry battalion. A short while later, Poett was ordered to take command of the 11th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. At the time the battalion formed a part of the 70th Brigade, itself attached to the 49th Infantry Division. Poett assumed command of the battalion in Herefordshire, but soon travelled around the country with it, moving to Wales and Scotland, before finishing up in the Welsh town of Llanelli.