Pole entered the Royal Academy in 1770 and served in the East Indies. He had also participated in the siege of Pondicherry and at the occupation of Toulon in 1793. Pole was promoted rear-admiral in 1795 and served in the West Indies. He was promoted captain of the fleet in 1797.
Pole was appointed governor of Newfoundland on June 3, 1800. His term ended in 1801.