Father: Oliver Henry POTTS
Mother: Elizabeth CARR

Family 1: Mary Jane SMITHSON

1. John Carr POTTS
2. Frederick John POTTS
3. Mary Jane POTTS
4. Jean Dulcie POTTS
5. Violet Joyce POTTS
6. Lorna Dorothy POTTS

INDEX

Notes

WILLIAM ROBERT POTTS, fifth child and fourth son was always of a studious nature. He worked at several guest houses after leaving school. He joined a local Cadet Corps and his training and discipline stood him in good stead, not only in the World War 1, but throughout his life. He had a penchant for organisation and this stood out in his life. He became a master plasterer of equal value to Jim, and was a contributing factor to the success of the firm. He enlisted for active service in World War 1, and sailed with the 3rd Division as a member of the 37th Battalion Band. He was badly knocked about and gassed in the battle of Messines. One soldier had his femoral artery cut and was bleeding to death as stretcher bearers carried him to a dressing station. Bill held the artery to stop the flow of blood. This saved the soldier's life and he was ever afterwards most grateful to Bill. The band were stretcher bearers when the battalion went into the line. Bill found a wonderful partner in life in Mary Cane. There was a family of six children, one of whom died at birth, and the second eldest daughter, Jean, died on August 8, 1967. The family was quite a musical combination in their young days. Mary played the piano, Fred (cornet), Jean and Violet (violins), Lorna (triangle and percussion instruments), and their father the bass trombone and musical saw. They were frequently invited to appear on radio shows. He had purchased "Glenviolet" on half shares with Jay, but when he retired he bought the property outright. He built a brick home and pulled down the old Log Cabin. His end came suddenly, when he got out of his car in Swiss Chalet Road to move some logs of wood. His wife died two years later, on 29-6-1962 and "Glenviolet" was sold and passed out of the hands of the family for four years.