Military History

 
Embarked Fremantle per ‘Argyllshire’ A8 for Egypt 19.4.1915.
Roll Rank Acting Sergeant.
Roll Unit 4th Infantry Brigade, 16th Battalion, 4th Reinf.
Potts Disembarked in Egypt with his Bn. which included contingents from Adelaide. His Bn. joined the MEF at Alexandria and embarked for Gallipoli. Potts reverted to rank when taken on strength 28.7.1915. He was promoted to the rank of Lance Cpl. 28.7.1915. Potts went to Mudros (no data to show if sick) and was promoted to rank of Sergeant 15.10.1915. He was transferred per HT ‘Ascanius’ to Alexandria where he disembarked 30.12.1915.
Potts was promoted to 2nd Lieut. 20.1.1916 and joined the BEF for embarkation to France 29.5.1916. Potts and the 16th Bn. disembarked at Marseilles 5.6.1916. Potts was required to carry out the duty of T/OC with the Australian 41st Light Trench Mortar Battery 21.8.1916 and granted the Temporary rank of Capt. 30.8.1916. He was awarded an Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the Field 25.10.1916. He was severely wounded in the field (1st Time)  at Mouquet Farm and also at  the German Strong Point 54, where remained on Duty despite his injuries 15.11.1916. Potts was promoted to Captain 10.5.1917. In 20.2.1918. Potts resumed regimental duty of the 16th Bn. from the LTMB.
Potts was wounded in action (2nd Time)at Vaire Wood, Hamel on the Somme 6.7.1918, with GSW to his chest and abdomen. Potts was admitted to the 3rd General Hospital in Rouen and described as seriously ill. He was invalided to England per HS ‘Panama’ 6.8.1918 and admitted Hospital and transferred to Cobham Hall Military Hospital. He convalesced after hospital discharge until 13.11.1918. Potts was assessed as fit for Home Duty in an overseas Training Battalion 28.11.1918.
Embarked for Australia per ‘Leicestershire’ 9.12.1918.
Returned/ Disembarked
Discharged Appointment Terminated 9.3.1919
Final Rank Captain
Medical Condition Invalided
Awards and Medals Military Cross, 1914-151 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Military Cross Citation
‘For conspicuous gallantry in action He handled his trench mortar battery with great courage and determination. Later during an enemy counter attack, his coolness and ability were largely responsible for the repulse of the enemy.’
(Supp. London Gazette 14.11.1916)
Mentioned in Despatches for gallantry.
Notes  Potts became a highly decorated and respected soldier in WW2. He rose to the rank of Brigadier in the Second World War and played an important part on battles in  Kokoda. It has been argued that his role has been poorly acknowledged in history. (Australian Dictionary of Biography) A memorial was erected in Kojonup by the RSL in 1969 to honour Brigadier  Potts.
Potts served with distinction in WW2. He was appointed Colonel (Hon Brigadier). Potts received theDSO, OBE, MD. MiD in the two World wars.
Photos Brigadier A.W. Potts in New Guinea 1943. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM 099103
            Arnold Potts. The Sun Kalgoorlie 28.2.1915 p5
            HMAT 'Ascanius' 1914. Photographer E.L. Mitchell, photograph source AWM H16157 
            Gallipoli, Soldiers at the ready in the firing line at Shrapnel Gully 1915. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM H00195A
            Mouquet Farm 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E00005
            Australian and American soldiers in Pear Trench Le Hamel 4.8.1918. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E-02844A

Information Source
Australian Dictionary of Biography. http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/potts-arnold-william-11448
AWM 099103. Brigadier A.W. Potts in New Guinea 1943. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM H16157. HMAT 'Ascanius' 1914. Photographer E.L. Mitchell, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM H00195A. Gallipoli, Soldiers at the ready in the firing line at Shrapnel Gully 1915. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E00005. Mouquet Farm 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph sourcd from the Pictorial Collection of th Australian War Memorial
AWM E02844A. Australian and American soldiers in Pear Trench Le Hamel 4.8.1918. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
Guildford Grammar School Honour Roll
NAA: B883, WX700102
The Sun Kagoorlie

School House Boulder, WA.

Associated Images