Mexborough & Swinton Times, October 28, 1939

Wombwell Man’s Gifts from American Student

Valued Souvenirs

In connection with the part he played in one of the first seafaring exploits of “Hitler’s War” Seaman Fred Potts, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J Potts, of “The Old Homestead,” Wombwell, has already accumulated one or two interesting souvenirs.

These take the form of gifts and cigarettes which a young American student gave him for helping to rescue him from a sinking ship. Seaman Potts’s ship stood by for some time taking off survivors and left only a few moments before the ship sank. He was surprised and delighted to receive a letter of thanks with gifts from the young American he lifted out of the water.

Seaman Potts has served seven years in the Royal Navy and was called up as a reservist at the outbreak of war.

He was formerly a member of Barnsley Road Primitive Methodist Church, Wombwell, and is well known as one of the best darts players in the district. He was a member of the Royal Oak Club which won the Wombwell and District Darts League last season.

A married man, his home is in Margaret Road, Park Street. Wombwell. One of his brothers is an officer in the Metropolitan Police Force