Member Article

Leading housebuilder supports Trooper Potts VC memorial project

David Wilson Homes is lending its support to a memorial project in Berkshire, commemorating the local area’s only Victoria Cross medal holder.

Virtually unknown in Reading due to his own modesty, Frederick Owen Potts was honoured for his heroism during World War One’s Gallipoli campaign. The wounded Trooper Potts successfully dragged his close-to-death colleague to safety against all odds.

Local people and businesses believe his valiant efforts should be recognised and, in 2010, a special project was established to fund a commemorative memorial.

“Originally, this was to be a statue of Trooper Potts but, with so much support from those living in and around Reading, the project has been extended to provide a permanent memorial to all the men of the Berkshire Yeomanry who gave their lives in the wars of the twentieth century,” said David Wilson Homes Southern managing director, Paul Crispin.

“Our role within the local community means we are perfectly placed to be able to contribute to the memorial fund. We are fully committed to building strong relationships with those living in and around the neighbourhoods we are helping to create.

“Along with Haslams Estate Agents - our partner at nearby Spencer Wood - we feel it is fitting to help recognise the exploits of this brave soldier and all those in the Berkshire Yeomanry who fell while protecting the freedoms we now enjoy.

“I look forward to the memorial unveiling, which is due to take place in the Forbury in October this year.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Wilson Homes .