Retro: Trooper Potts' other act of gallantry

Newsdesk • Published 26 Nov 2009 14:00 0 Comments

EARLIER this month The Chronicle reported how the families of the town's only Victoria Cross recipient, Trooper Fred Potts, and the Reading man he saved at Gallipoli, Trooper Arthur Andrews, came face to face for the first time.

Fred and Arthur were in their early 20s when they were injured while advancing on enemy lines in August 1915. After hiding below the Turkish trenches for two days Frederick found a shovel and, using it as a sledge, dragged Arthur back to the safety of British lines.

But this act of gallantry was not Frederick's first as this extract from the Berkshire Chronicle two years previously reveals...

---- June 20, 1913 - A Youth's Bravery, Parents' Appreciation: "On Sunday afternoon, June 8th, an accident occurred which would have proved fatal had it not been for the bravery of a youth - Fred Potts, of 54 Edgehill Street, Reading.

"Two boys, brothers, named Rex residing at The Sailor's Home, West Street, were playing by the side of the Thames, in the vicinity of the ice factory, when the younger of the two overbalanced and fell into the river. His brother with great presence of mind, called loudly for help.

"His cries attracted the attention of two youths who were walking by the waterside. With all possible speed they reached him. Taking the situation in at a glance, one of the youths jumped into the water fully dressed.

"It was some seconds before he reached the boy who was sinking. With difficulty his rescuer brought him to the bank where his friend was waiting to help. The boy was thoroughly exhausted and artificial respiration was necessary to restore him. Someone in the group offered the youth dry clothes, but he refused and modestly left the spot as quickly as possible. Fortunately both rescuer and rescued are none the worse for their drenching, except for colds.

"It was not until the evening that Rex was in a fit condition to go home. His parents greatly appreciated Potts' bravery, and are presenting him with a new suit in lieu of the one which was ruined."

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