Gallipoli & Dardanelles International forges closer links with Trooper Potts VC appeal

G&DI President John Crowe and Secretary Simon Kleinig accepted an invitation to a press release for the Trooper Potts VC appeal on 23 September 2013. The appeal is raising funds for a memorial to be erected in Reading. The memorial will take the form of a bronze statue statue depicting Fred Potts dragging a wounded Arthur Andrews to safety on the blade of a shovel, a feat which has made Fred Potts Reading’s only VC winner.
The Trooper Potts VC appeal not only also seeks to commemorate the event, but also to educate younger people about the 1915 incident. These twin aims resonate strongly with the those of Gallipoli & Dardanelles International. The action during which Trooper Potts was awarded the VC took place at Scimitar Hill near Suvla Bay in Gallipoli on 21 August 1915.
The press release, held at the Hilton Hotel in Reading, was attended by Fred Pott’s granddaughter, Anne Ames and Arthur Andrew’s grandson, Chris Andrews. Richard Bennett, chairman of the appeal’s fundraising committee, also introduced Chris Tarrant and Michael Naxton, who are patrons of the appeal. Chris Andrews spoke a little about his grandfather, the VC incident and how it affected his grandfather’s later life in Reading. The statue’s sculptor, Tom Murphy of Liverpool, explained how he tried to incorporate a depth of character and emotion into the sculpture.
Gallipoli & Dardanelles International is proud to be associated with and strongly supports the Trooper Potts VC appeal, which it recommends to all its members.
You can find out more about the appeal and donate here.