Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

4th Light Trench Mortar Battery, 16th Australian Infantry Battalion, 4th Australian Brigade, 1st Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

November 14th, 1916

"This officer was in charge of the No. 4 Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery during the operations of the Brigade from the 27th August until the morning of 31st August. He personally supervised and directed the fire of the battery under heavy artillery fire on the occasion of the attack on MOUQUET FARM and German strong point 54. When the attack on the points indicated proved unsuccessful and the German counter attack took place, although his battery was subjected to very heavy artillery fire he persisted and did much to break up the attack on our trenches. The courage and judgement displayed by this officer on this occasion was largely instrumental in covering the retirement of an unsuccessful attack before an overwhelming force of the enemy.

He is very highly recommended for distinction."
---
"For conspicuous gallantry in action. He handled his Trench Mortar Battery with great courage and determination. Later, during an enemy counter-attack, his coolness and ability were largely responsible for the repulse of the enemy."
---
"For gallantry during the Battle of Mouquet Farm. He had led his battery in unstinting support of the rest of the battalion during its advance, even though the battery itself had been almost continually under attack in the most horrendous of conditions."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

4th Light Trench Mortar Battery, 16th Australian Infantry Battalion, 4th Australian Brigade, 1st Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

1917

"For conspiciously good work as O.C. 4th Aust. L.M. Battery, during the past 6 months. This Battery did good work in connection with the operations N.Z. of GUEUDECOURT on 1st/2nd and 4th/5th February."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

2/16th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Army

Awarded on:

December 30th, 1941

"During the action of Litani River on 9/10 Jun 41 Maj. Potts was particularly outstanding not only in personal bravery in going forward under fire from all arms of the defence with instructions for Coy Comds but in his own personal leadership and example. Similarly in the action at Saida on 15 Jun 41 his personal example and fearless carrying out of the general plans were such that his action added greatly to the success of both operations. At one period he was faced by a tank and came under its fire whilst going forward to contact forward troops but succeeded in his task. His former experience with the A.I.F. has been used to the greatest extent and he has carried out the many tasks allotted to him with gallantry and persistence whilst under intense fire from the enemy."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

2/16th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Army

Awarded on:

June 23rd, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Awarded on:

February 14th, 1946

"For distinguished services in South-West Pacific Area."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Awarded on:

March 6th, 1947

"For exceptional service in the field in S.W.P. Area."

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1960