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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 297

A Second World War 'Siege of Malta' and 'Madagascar Meteorological' group of four awarded to Squadron-Leader R. V. Potts, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew Hurricanes in defence of Malta in 1942 before joining 1414 Meteorological Flight and ending the war with the East African Communications Flight

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Africa Star; British War Medal 1939-45, with named log books, very fine (4)

A.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1946, the original recommendation states:

'For a year, this officer undertook meteorological climbs in Madagascar before joining East Africa Communications Flight. During the period of two years with the Flight he has accomplished more than 300 meteorological climbs, under arduous conditions, and has completed 800 hours flying as a transport captain.'

Richard Vere Potts was born at Barnsley on 20 October 1920, the son of John and Elsie Potts of Barnsley, Yorkshire. Working as a Bank Clerk before the war, on its outbreak he enlisted as a Leading Aircraftman on 13 November 1940. Stationed at No. 55 Officer Training Unit, he began training with Hurricanes in late July 1941. Joining 229 Squadron in December 1941 at Sidi Haniesh, Egypt Potts started to fly offensive sweeps and bomber escort missions as well as the occasional 'scramble'. During this time he also flew from forward airfields such as Fuka in Northern Egypt and Agedebia or Gazala in Cyrenaica.

Transferring to Halfar, Malta on 29 March 1942 he flew from here during the famous 'Siege of Malta' just as the tide began to turn in the allies favour. That is not to say however that it was easy going, the Squadron scrambled twice on the first day, intercepting JU-88 bombers and their fighter escorts. Between 4-8 April he was 'scrambled' several times, causing damage to one JU-88 bomber on 4 April and silencing the rear gunner of another on 8 April. Frequent Allied convoys in May were bringing ever greater reinforcement to the beleaguered garrison, allowing them to increasingly fly offensively. Potts was transferred to Luqa airfield from which he continued to fly missions intercepting the relentless bombing raids, connecting again with a JU-88 on 8 April. He was also faced with frequent reminders of the dangers of his posting, being sent as an escort for search parties picking up pilots who had been shot down as he did on 10 April. Returning to Libya on 27 May his logbooks note a tangle with a German Fiessler Storch during the crossing. It must have been hairier than the official note made out however as a handwritten note in pencil states 'Damned shaky do thanks to H.Q. med. Bullet thro induction manifold'. Arriving at Fiume Road on 27 May he was transferred to 'A' Flight, No. 94 Squadron at Idku. Further he was promoted Flight Sergeant on 15 June 1942, several days before he joined the Squadron at Idku.

Here he flew Convoy Patrol and was regularly scrambled to intercept incoming enemy aircraft. Promoted Pilot Officer here he was further advanced Flying Officer on 15 December 1942. Potts began meteorological flights in the Spring of 1943 having transferred to 1414 Meteorological Flight in April of that year. Based mainly in Andrakaka, Madagascar as part of East Africa Command he flew mainly Gladiator, Anson and Lysander aircraft. Potts served out the rest of his war with the East Africa Communications flight, completing regular trips over long distances along the East African Coastline. Promoted Flight Lieutenant on 1 January 1946.

Returning to Britain he was appointed to serve in a training capacity which continued until 1 April 1955 when he was involved in an exercise over Otterburn. Potts was one of a number of officers attached to the Durham University Air Squadron who were involved in the exercise. The intention was to display the capability of the Chipmunk aircraft however Potts, throwing his craft into a tight turn at a lower height then he should have, stalled. Tragically a crowd had gathered to watch the event and the crashing plane ploughed through them, fatally injuring a number. Potts was faced with a court-martial which stripped him of two years seniority, he retired on 11 October 1955, retaining his temporary rank of Squadron Leader. Emigrating to Rhodesia he served as an Air-Traffic Controller in Salisbury; sold together with corresponding dress miniatures, an archive of related photographs, letters and documentation including A.F.C. transmission slip, and birth, marriage and death index entries as well as copied research including census data, newspaper entries and a large archive of original letters, postcards and identification including passports.

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Sold for
£950

Starting price
£270