Today Prime Minister Gordon Brown, in response to a Question from Reading West MP Martin Salter gave his backing to the all party campaign for a permanent memorial to the men of the Berkshire Yeomanry and, in particular, to Trooper Potts, Reading’s only holder of the Victoria Cross.

Last month Martin Salter and Reading Mayor Fred Pugh brought together councillors, politicians, and military representatives to form a memorial committee to raise funds for a permanent memorial to mark the bravery of Trooper Fred Potts who saved the life of his fellow Berkshire Yeomanry man, Trooper Andrews at the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915.

In his Parliamentary Question Martin Salter said:-

“On Friday MPs and councillors of all parties and local military representatives will be meeting to take forward plans to build a permanent memorial to Trooper Potts, Reading’s only recipient of the Victoria Cross, won at Gallipoli in 1915. Would the Prime Minister offer a message of support for our endeavours to forever mark the gallantry of this local hero?”

In reply, the Prime Minister promised his support for the memorial and to do all he can to ensure the project was a success.

Martin Salter, who wrote to Gordon Brown in December on this issue added:-

“I am delighted that Gordon Brown has put his weight behind our campaign to honour the heroism of Trooper Potts and the gallantry of the Berkshire Yeomanry. We need all the heavyweight support we can muster if we are to raise the £60,000 needed to provide a worthy and lasting memorial.”