South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 04 April 1942

Saved From Java

Wombwell Seaman’s Message

A survivor from the Battle of the Java Seas was Able Seaman and Quartermaster Frederick Potts (32), of 11a, Margaret Road, Wombwell, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Potts, of 15, Margaret Road.

It is assumed that he was among a party from the destroyer Electra which, as reported in the Press some days ago, was rescued by an American submarine and landed In Australia.

Mrs. Potts, who is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. Mower, formerly of 108, Hough Lane, Wombwell, has so far received nothing from the Admiralty, but on Monday had a cablegram reading. “All well and safe; keep smiling.”

The cablegram conveying the cheering news of Able Seaman Potts was dispatched on March 17th, but did not reach Wombwell until March 30th. It was marked “Sans Origine.”

Seaman Potts joined the Navy in July, 1939and within two months had his first taste of naval warfare, being present when the Athenia was sunk by German submarine on September 3rd, 1939. The Electra took off the passengers from the Athenia and for their good work members of the crew were given cigarette cases by the owners, the Donaldson Atlantic Line Co., Ltd.