THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

POTTER Leslie

18500, Service in WW1

81777, Brigadier, 14th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, WW2

30003, Regular Service post WW2

CITATION

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Gazetted 6 June 1947, p2608

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 3 September 1944

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 Vela 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 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 defencive 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

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 25 July 1944, p3505

Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Fiji and New Caledonia from 1st September, 1943 to 29th February 1944.

AWARDS

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Distinguished Service Order

British War Medal

Victory Medal

1939-45 Star

Pacific Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

       Mention in Despatches

New Zealand War Service Medal

Coronation Medal 1937

New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal

NOTES

Born 13 September 1894, Auckland, New Zealand

Died 7 April 1964, Tauranga, New Zealand