Potter, Leslie

Date of birth:: September 13th, 1894 (Auckland, New Zealand)
Date of death:: April 7th, 1964
Service number:: 18500 / 81777 / 30003
Nationality:: New Zealander

Biography

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Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier
Unit:: 14th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, 3rd New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces
Awarded on:: July 27th, 1944

"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Fiji and New Caledonia from 1st September, 1943, to 29th February, 1944."
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"Brigadier Leslie Potter of the 14th NZ Infantry Brigade has given distinguished service in the field. Brigadier Potter commanded 14th NZ Brigade in the operations at Vella Lavella in September and October 1943, and also the attack and seizure of the Green (Nissan) Island Group. In both operations his sound appreciation of the tactical problems involved and the plans he made for the deployment of his troops contributed largely to the success which attended out [sic] arms. In the operations at Vella Lavella the boldness of his initial plan and speed with which he executed it, left the enemy little time to organise his defensive positions and materially lessened the number of our casualties. In both operations he showed marked qualities of leadership. He was throughout in the closest possible touch with his troops and directed their movement with marked success."