Arnold William Potts
| Arnold William Potts | |
|---|---|
Arnold Potts at Torokina, Bougainville on 25 November 1945
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| Born |
16 September 1896 Peel, Isle of Man |
| Died | 1 January 1968 (aged 71) Perth, Western Australia |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/branch | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1945 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Service number | WX1574 |
| Commands held |
23rd Brigade (1942–45) 21st Brigade (1942) Maroubra Force (1942) 2/16th Battalion (1941–42) |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order Officer of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches (4) |
| Other work | Farmer and grazier |
Brigadier Arnold William Potts, DSO, OBE, MC (16 September 1896 – 1 January 1968) was an Australian grazier and army officer who served in the First World War and led the 21st Brigade of the Second Australian Imperial Force during its defence of the Kokoda Trail during the Second World War. He had a distinguished career, however, his place in history has largely been unacknowledged due to his dismissal by General Sir Thomas Blamey, at the very point when Potts had fought the Japanese to exhaustion. His fighting withdrawal over the Kokoda Trail has been called "one of the most critical triumphs in Australian military history and one that an apathetic nation has still to honour". Many contemporaries as well as Potts' official biographer regard this sacking as one of the most disgraceful actions of Blamey's military career. Following his dismissal, Potts went on to command the 23rd Brigade during the Bougainville campaign where he earned a reputation for setting high standards. He retired from the military following the end of the war and unsuccessfully pursued a career in politics. He died in 1968, aged 71.
Arnold Potts was born on 16 September 1896 at Peel on the Isle of Man to William, a schoolmaster, and Mary Potts. In 1904, at the age of eight, Potts' family emigrated to Western Australia and he attended Cottesloe State School before progressing on to Guilford Grammar School. During his formative years he was a keen sportsman, even despite his short stature, representing Guilford in rowing, football, shooting and athletics.
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