Major William Charles Wilkinson Potts

William Charles Wilkinson Potts born 1903 of Selby House, Stanton.

Son of Francis Potts and Anne Catherine Wilkinson.

Married:

Winifred May Lewis in 1929 They went on to have 5 Sons

Military:

William Charles Wilkinson Potts (2144) The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.

Major W.C.W Potts of 7/Northumberland Fusiliers. He, along with Captain C.R.I Besley, escaped from Fort Saint-Jean in August 1940 dressed in Legionnaire uniforms. However, Besley was caught, along with a Bombardier J. Sennet, as they were boarding a ship at harbour. Potts was amongst the twenty plus successful escapes from Marseilles by sea in that latter part of 1940.

He escaped via Marseilles with the French Foreign Legion to Algiers and from there made his way to Casablanca staying with a French Gaullist identity unknown but was a manager of the Bank of Morocco.

He was subsequently arrested and interned in Medouna before escaping again.

(Information source ww2talks website- Chester Potts)

William died 10th December 1951

Potts, William Charles Wilkinson of Selby House Longhorsley Northumberland died 10 December 1951 at Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle Upon Tyne 1 Probate Newcastle Upon Tyne 14 June to Winfred May Potts Widow. Effects £4582 0s 9d

Selby House, Stanton  © Copyright John Watson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Farm buildings at StantonAcross the road from Selby House. © Copyright Oliver Dixon and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.