CSM Harry Potter DCM

Some of you may remember my mentioning that family tree research had thrown up a Harry Potter in the family, not the wizard, but a soldier. I was thrilled to meet two of his grandchildren earlier this year, so here's the tale:
In 1894, aged 21, Harry Potter gave up his job as a bricklayers labourer and joined the Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment, enlisting at Guildford. Two years later he was promoted to Lance Corporal but, following a Court Martial in 1898, was imprisoned for 14 days and reverted to Private. Not a very distingushed start! He was serving in East India at the time and was tried for 'neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.' Still, putting this behind him, he continued his service, fighting in the Punjab and on the North West Frontier, getting promoted again and subsequently receiving the India Medal with Tirah clasps. His India campaign ended around 1906.

On returning to Britain, he met Agnes Turpin – a girl from Burnham on Crouch - and they were married in 1908. In August 1914, Harry was posted as Colour-Sergeant to the British Expeditionary Force in France and fought in the 1st Battalion of the Queen's Regiment, part of General French's 'contemptible little army' in the battle for, and subsequent retreat from Mons. In December 1914, he transferred to the Army Cyclists Corps and shortly afterwards was promoted to 2nd class warrant officer and appointed Company Sergeant Major. In June 1915, Harry Potter was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The citation published in the London Gazette reads "For conspicuous gallantry and marked ability. The efficiency of his Cyclist Company owes much to the zeal and energy he has displayed in the performance of his duties. On many occasions he showed great coolness and bravery under a heavy fire."

Company Sergeant Major Harry Potter DCM left the army on the 5th June 1916, having completed over 22 years service. The family moved back to Essex and Harry became a drill instructor at the Duke of York's Royal Military School in Hutton. Agnes was caretaker. In October 1918, Harry and Agnes died within two days of each other, both victims of the 'Spanish Flu' epidemic. They left two young children, Emily and Ivy Potter, to be brought up by James Turpin, Harry's father-in-law.

Ivy Potter became a nurse and, during the second world war, served in the Middle East with the Queen Alexandra Nursing Service. Her career took her to Egypt and the Sudan where she met and married Elliot Balfour, an administrator in the Sudan Political Service who rose to become a regional governor. After independence, Ivy and Elliot Balfour moved back to England, firstly to Kent and then to Scotland, where they lived in Scrabster and Elliot worked at Dounreay. Ivy Balfour died, aged 80, in 1991 and Elliot in 1995.

Emily also became a nurse and married Dr George Melton in 1936. Dr Melton was a Russian emigré who had changed his name from Dr Joseph Mindline. Emily was very much a 'free spirit' and they later divorced in a court case which received press coverage for its elements of scandal. She died aged 49 on Good Friday in 1962 leaving two sons and a daughter. Harry's medals and DCM citation remain in the family, safely in the hands of his grandchildren.