Watch List notes:

A Well-Documented WW2 'Siege Of Malta' Interest and East African 'Madagascar' A.F.C. awarded to Squadron-Leader Richard Vere Potts, R.A.F.V.R., who served in Hurricanes over Malta in 1942, and later in the war served with the East Africa Communications Flight, and undertook more than 300 meteorological flights over Madagascar, comprising: Air Force Cross, G.VI.R, in original Royal Mint case of issue, hinges detached, brooch pin detached, with full miniature group of 6, named A.F.C. transmission slip, four logbooks, and an archive of related photographs, letters and documentation, toned, light wear to left-hand point of cross, some reverse contact marks in places, otherwise very fine. D.F.C.: London Gazette: 1 January 1946 – Original recommendation reads as follows: "For a year, this officer undertook meteorological climbs in Madagascar before joining East Africa Communications Flight. During the period of two years with the Flight he has accomplished more than 300 meteorological climbs, under arduous conditions, and has completed 800 hours flying as a transport captain. (Citation written upon achievement of a flight total of 1,800 hours, 560 on current duties, 270 in previous six months.). Squadron-Leader Richard Vere Potts was born on 20 October 1920 in Barnsley, the son of John Leonard Potts and Elsie Mary Potts (née Ambler). Beginning his training as an L.A.C. on 13 November 1940, he remained in training in Britain until late August 1941 with 55 Officer Training Unit, latterly in Hawker Hurricane aircraft. He was then transferred to 229 Squadron in the Western Desert at Sidi Haniesh, Egypt, and also in Cyrenaica, from which he undertook numerous offensive sweeps and bomber escort flights as a pilot during the coming months, this time in Hurricane IIB aircraft. Moving with his squadron to Halfar, Malta on 1 April 1942, and now as Flight Sergeant (temp.), he was involved as a pilot during various defensive 'scrambles' during the time of the 'Siege of Malta' – engaging numerous enemy aircraft. His logbook records that he damaged two enemy JU88s with his guns, and 'silenced the rear gunner' of another German bomber. He continued with this unit until he was posted to 94 Squadron at Idku, on 26 June 1942, and then soon after he began undertaking regular 'Meteorological climbs' as part of No.1414 Meteorological Flight, East Africa Command, mostly based at Andrakaka, Madagascar, flying in Lysander and Anson aircraft. He was promoted Pilot Officer, and then to Flying Officer, in December 1942. After 6 months, and having become well-acquainted with flying conditions in Africa, he served out the rest of the war with the East Africa Communications Flight, making regular journeys and stops to all the major cities along the East African coast. He was awarded the A.F.C. on 1 January 1946, and was promoted to Flight Lieutenant that year. Returning to Britain, he continued to serve in the R.A.F. (largely in a training capacity) until he was involved in a deadly air crash during a demonstration at Otterburn on 1 April 1955, which fatally hit a number of attending students from Durham University Air Squadron. After a court-martial, severe reprimand and loss of 2 years' authority, he later retired from the R.A.F. with the rank of Squadron Leader. In his personal life, he married Miss Marjorie May Mattinson on 6 January 1945 in Nairobi, and was latterly an Air Traffic Controller in Rhodesia and Nyasaland, being resident in Salisbury. (7)