Royal Navy WW2 Veteran, Leslie Potter’s recent 100th birthday celebrations were made extra-special recently as he was presented with his Arctic Star.
At Leslie’s recent birthday party, held at Marleyfield Care home in Buckley, the Naval Regional Commander for Wales and West England, Brigadier ‘Jock’ Fraser RM, presented Leslie with his Arctic Star and a letter from the First Sea Lord. Herbert Pritchard, another retired Burma Star holder and Eric Holmwood with a few other Shipmates from the Wrexham branch of the RNA also attended.
The party was a chance for Shipmates young and old to share dits about their connections with the Royal Navy and children from the local Westwood Community Primary School presented Leslie with handmade birthday cards.
Leslie served in the Royal Navy for thirty years, signing up a week before his 16th birthday in 1939. His Arctic Star joins his Atlantic Star, Burma Star, WW2 Star, Defence, War, General Service and Long Service & Good Conduct medals.
As well as the Arctic Convoys, Leslie served on HMS KING GEORGE V during the sinking of the Bismark.
Leslie’s daughter, Sheryl Feniger said: “I’m very touched by the warm responses I’ve had from the RNA. The Navy really were the ‘hit’ of the party, chatting to other residents which brought forth their Naval connections. It meant the world to Dad and was a wonderful day.
“I’ve found delving into this history fascinating. Dad doesn’t talk about the war very much and yet when I get him in the mood he can talk at length, remembering what guns ships had, their turning ability etc. His mind is sharp and for 100 he’s doing well.”
