Fred Potts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick William Owen Potts
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| Born | 18 December 1892 Reading, Berkshire, England |
| Died | 2 November 1943 (aged 50) Reading, Berkshire, England |
| Buried |
Reading Crematorium
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Lance-Corporal |
| Unit | 1/1st Berkshire Yeomanry |
| Battles/wars | World War I - Battle of Gallipoli |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Frederick William Owen Potts, known as Trooper Fred Potts, was a very brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for courage given to British and Commonwealth forces. He earned this special medal for his amazing bravery during World War I.
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Life Story of Trooper Potts
Potts was born in 1892 in Reading, England. Even before the war, he showed his courage. In 1913, he saved a five-year-old boy from drowning in the River Thames.
A Heroic Deed in World War I
In 1915, Potts was 22 years old. He was a private soldier in the 1/1st Berkshire Yeomanry of the British Army. During the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I, he did something incredible.
On 21 August 1915, during a battle, Potts was shot in the leg. Even though he was hurt, he stayed with another soldier, Arthur Andrews. Andrews was badly wounded and could not move. For over 48 hours, Potts stayed with him near the enemy trenches.
Potts then used a shovel like a sled. He tied it to Andrews' gear and dragged him over 600 meters to safety. All this time, they were under enemy fire. Potts became known as "the hero with the shovel." When he returned from Gallipoli, people celebrated his bravery.
Life After the War
After the war, Potts became a lance-corporal. He owned a tailor's shop in Reading. He was also a member of the Masons, a friendly society. He died in 1943 at age 50. His grave is at Reading Crematorium. His medals are kept at the Imperial War Museum.
Arthur Andrews, the soldier Potts saved, lived until 1980. In 2009, families of Potts and Andrews met at the Imperial War Museum. This happened because of a BBC radio show about Potts.
In 1967, The Victor children's magazine featured Potts' story. It was shown on the front and back covers. This story has been used to teach children about his bravery.
Remembering Trooper Potts in Reading
People in Reading wanted a lasting way to remember Trooper Potts.
Building a Memorial Sculpture
In 2010, plans began for a permanent memorial. It was decided the memorial would be near Forbury Gardens in Reading. A group called the Trooper Potts VC Memorial Trust was set up. They raised £150,000 to build it.
Liverpool sculptor Tom Murphy designed the memorial. It is a life-sized bronze sculpture. It was put in place on 2 October 2015.
The Roll of Honour
Next to the sculpture is a special wall. It lists the names of 426 men from The Berkshire Yeomanry. These men died in wars during the 20th century. Their names are listed by war and rank. In the middle is a quote from John F Kennedy.
Other Ways Trooper Potts is Honored
Trooper Potts has been honored in several other ways in Reading.
Naming a Road and Paving Stone
In September 2013, a new road was named Trooper Potts Way. It was opened on 5 April 2014. This road is near the Reading Station north entrance.
A special paving stone was also placed for him. This stone is part of the Government's Commemorative VC Paving Stone project. It was unveiled on 21 August 2015. This was exactly 100 years after the battle where he earned his VC. Trooper Potts' granddaughter, Anne Ames, unveiled it.
A Pub Named in His Honor
In 2016, a new pub opened in Reading. It was called The Trooper Potts. It had large displays telling the story of Fred and Arthur. Later, the pub's name changed to The Victoria Cross. Now, it features information about all VC winners from Berkshire.
Sharing His Story with Schools
The Trooper Potts VC Memorial Trust works to share his story.
Working with Students and Schools
Since 2011, the trust has worked with Reading College. Students have helped raise money and teach local primary schools. They teach about World War I, Gallipoli, and Trooper Potts' local story. The college even had a "Trooper Potts prize for History" for three years.
The trust also gives talks to local groups. These include business groups, pensioner groups, and history societies.
School Visits and Activities
The trust has held special "Trooper Potts mornings" at schools. These include Katesgrove Primary, Fred Potts' old school. Curators from the Berkshire Yeomanry Museum bring old army gear. Children can see and try on the items. This outreach work continues each year.
The Victoria Cross Medal
The trust also made a film about the Victoria Cross. This film explains the history of this important medal. It is used in their educational work to help people understand the VC.
