Artist: Tom Murphy
Year: 2015
Location: Reading
Type: Memorial
Material: Portland stone and bronze
Accessibility: Easy step-free access with local parking and public transport nearby
Description: The statue and memorial depict the incident of Trooper Fred Potts and Trooper Arthur Andrews in the Scimitar Hill battle. Potts and Andrews fought for their lives while wounded in the thigh and other regions in the scrub of Scimitar Hill under enemy fire for three days. Taking over 48 hours to reach 600 yards back to camp, Potts was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery and dedication to his fellow soldier Andrews, who was ready to give up. Potts dragged Andrews on the end of a shovel, getting them to safety of the camp. The Potts VC Trust has since campaigned for a VC paving stone to be placed in the home town of every VC from the First World War with Trooper Potts unveiled at the War Memorial at the edge of Forbury Gardens, Reading, in 2015. The project to build the memorial was launched in 2012 after the family members of Trooper Fred Potts and Trooper Arthur Andrews were invited to the Imperial War Museum for a special viewing of Fred’s medals. As well as commemorating Fred Potts, the memorial is also mindful of the sacrifices of the men of the Berkshire Yeomanry who gave their lives in the First World War, Second World War and Boer War.
Link:
Potts VC Trust
Berkshire Sculpture Park 