Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Potterton, a grocer and furniture dealer, born 1846 in Hinckley, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Sophia Potterton (nee Goodrich, married in the 4th quarter of 1869 in the Leicester district), born 1853 in Leicester. John George, a schoolboy was born in the 3rd quarter of 1881 in Belgrave, Leicester, his siblings were, Joseph Edward, a grocer’s assistant, born 1872, Samuel, a schoolboy, born 1883, William Harry, a schoolboy, born 1887, Fanny, a shoe trade machinist, born 1876, Julia Ann, a schoolgirl, born 1878, Eliza E., a schoolgirl, born 1885 and Rose M., born 1890, all his siblings were born in Leicester, in April 1891 the family home was at Duns Lane, Leicester. In the 1st quarter of 1892 in the Leicester district, George’s mother died aged 39. In March 1901 George was absent from the family home at 141, Upper Brunswick Street, Leicester, residing there was his widowed father, a hosiery glove trade worker and his siblings Eliza, a hosiery trade winder, Rose and Harry, an errand boy. In April 1911 George was employed as an iron works labourer and was residing at 31, Goodriche Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. George was officially recorded at birth as John George, however he seems to have always used the name George as his preferred Christian name. George never married but entered into a relationship with Mrs. Eliza Hurrell, with whom a son, George Leonard was born on the 7th September 1912, as will be noted from the service record for George’s second Army engagement, this relationship created a dispute relating to the decorations that had been awarded to George.
George attested into the Army on a Short Service engagement of 3 years with the Colours and 9 years in the Reserve on the 13th August 1901 in Leicester. He gave his place of birth as Belgrave, Leicester, Leicestershire, his age as 20 years and 3 months and his trade or calling as hosiery hand. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his father, John Potterton of 94, Brunswick Street, Leicester, his younger brothers Joseph Potterton, Samuel Potterton and Harry Potterton, his sisters Julia Warnby, Lillian Potterton and Rose Potterton as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 5¾ inches in height, weighed 133 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 33 and 35 inches. His complexion was described as fresh, his hair colour was dark brown and he had grey eyes. It was noted that he had an anchor tattoo on the back of his right forearm. He gave his religion as Wesleyan. He was pronounced fit for the Army on the 13th August 1901 in Leicester. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 6193 on the 13/8/01. Posted to the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 24/12/01. Granted Messing Allowance on the 13/2/02. Granted Good Conduct Pay at 1d on the 13/8/03. Transferred to the Army Reserve on the 13/8/04. Rejoined the Colours on the 23/6/05. Posted to the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment on the 23/6/05. Granted Service Pay Class 1 at 6d per -?- from the 28/6/05. Appointed Acting Lance Corporal (unpaid) on the 11/9/05. Appointed Acting Lance Corporal (paid) on the 13/9/05. Attained his 3rd Class Army Certificate of Education on the 17/10/05. Attained his 2nd Class Army Certificate of Education on the 16/3/06. Passed a course of instruction for promotion to Corporal on the 22/5/06. Promoted Corporal on the 2/12/07. Transferred to the 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 14/8/09. Transferred to the Army Reserve on the 24/8/09. Discharged from Section “B” Army Reserve on the termination of first period of engagement on the 12/8/13. A summary of his service records: Home Service, 13/8/01 – 23/12/01, 133 days. Egypt, 24/12/01 – 13/12/02, 355 days. Home Service, 14/12/02 – 12/8/13, 10 years 242 days. Total service 12 years.
George attested into the Army Reserve (Special Reservist’s) to serve an engagement of 1 Years Service on the 15th October 1914 in Melton Mowbray. He gave his place of birth as Belgrave, Leicester, Leicestershire, his age as 33 years and 123 days and his trade or calling as labourer. He gave his present address as 7, Birmingham Row, Melton Mowbray. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He stated that he had previously served with the Leicestershire Regiment for 8 years and 12 days with the Colours and 3 years and 353 days on Reserve, being time expired in 1913. He gave his brother Joseph Potterton of 36, Bakewell Street, Leicester and his sister Julia Warnby of 155, Narborough Road, Leicester as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 6 inches in height, weighed 144 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 34 and 36 inches. His complexion was described as fresh, his hair colour was brown, thinning and grey and he had grey eyes. He gave his religion as Church of England. He was pronounced fit for the Army Reserve on the 14th October 1914 in Melton Mowbray. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 12696 on the 15/10/14. Promoted Corporal on the 20/10/14. Posted to the 9th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment in Aldershot on the 20/10/14. Promoted Acting Sergeant on the 2/12/14. Admitted to the 48th Field Ambulance, in the field on the 14/3/16. Rejoined the Battalion on the 19/3/16. Received a severe reprimand for being absent from his billet at 9.30pm until found drinking in an estaminet about 10.10pm, in the field on the 25/3/16. Admitted to the 49th Field Ambulance suffering from rheumatism on the 17/4/16. Transferred to the 37th D.R.S. on the 26/4/16. Re-admitted to the 49th Field Ambulance on the 26/4/16. Rejoined Battalion, in the field on the 3/5/16. Appointed Acting Company Sergeant Major, in the field on the 14/7/16. Killed in action in the field at a place not stated on the 25/9/16. A summary of his service records: Home Service, 15/10/14 – 28/7/15, 283 days. British Expeditionary Force, France, 29/7/15 – 25/9/16, 1 year 60 days. Total service 1 year and 343 days. George was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. The following information was provided by persons unknown on a date unknown, and had no witness signature on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family) Widow of soldier, Mrs. Eliza Hurrell of 13, Napoleon Terrace, Bell Street, Nottingham. Children of soldier, George Leonard Potterton, born September 7th 1912, of 13, Napoleon Terrace, Bell Street, Nottingham. Father of soldier, none. Mother of soldier, none. Full blood brothers of soldier, Joseph Potterton, address not known. Samuel Potterton, address no known. Full blood sisters of soldier, Julia Potterton, late Mrs. Warnby. Lily Potterton, late Mrs. Green. Rose Potterton. Nephews and Nieces of soldier, Charles Warnby. Uncles and Aunts of soldier, Leonard Potterton. Arthur Potterton. Georges’s surviving service documents are in poor condition, and much of the finer detail relating to the period of time that he spent in the Army, is either illegible or missing, hence the sparse overall description of his military and personal family history.
There are a number of letters in his service record relating to the medals that he was awarded and their disposal, their content is reproduced in date order as follows:-
Mr. E. Hurrell,
13, Napoleon Terrace, Bell Street, Nottingham.
Sir,
The late No. 12696 A/CSM G. Potterton, Leicestershire Regiment.
With reference to your letter dated 21/2/24, received from the Ministry of Pensions, Birmingham, I have to inform you that the subject respecting medals of above named soldier is receiving attention, and you will be informed as soon as possible.
The only effects that have been received in this office was the disc which was forwarded to Mrs E. Hurrell on the 11/5/21.
Your enquiry regarding pay has been forwarded to the Regimental Paymaster, Lichfield.
Yours Faithfully
Signed Lieutenant Colonel, for Officer i/c Infantry Records. Lichfield, 29/2/24.

The Regimental Paymaster,
Lichfield.
No. 12696 A/CSM G. Potterton, Leicestershire regiment.
The attached copy of letter from Mr. E. Hurrell, received through the Ministry of Pensions, Birmingham, is forwarded.
The enquiry respecting medals and effects has been dealt with.
Signed Lieutenant Colonel, for Officer i/c Infantry Records. Lichfield, 29/2/24.

Mr. J. Potterton,
Beckington,
Humberstone Drive,
Leicester.
Sir,
Will you please return to this office, in the enclosed registered envelope, the 1914-15 Star, and British War and Victory Medals of the late No. 12696, A/CSM G. Potterton, The Leicestershire Regiment, which were forwarded to you on 27/11/21 and 1/11/21 respectively.
The medals of deceased soldiers are forwarded on authority received from War Office, and in accordance with the will of the late soldier, but no authority has yet been received for disposal of medals in this case.
On receipt of the Authority the decorations will be forwarded to the person entitled to receive them.
Any inconvenience caused you in the matter is much regretted.
Yours Faithfully
Signed Lieutenant Colonel, for Officer i/c Infantry Records. Lichfield, 29/2/24.

Mr. J. Potterton,
Beckington,
Humberstone Drive,
Leicester.
Sir,
With reference to this office letter dated 29/2/24, and your reply dated 3/3/24, I have to inform you that the reason for recalling the medals of the late No. 12696 A/CSM G. Potterton, The Leicestershire Regiment, is that they were inadvertently issued without the necessary War Office authority having been obtained.
The question of their disposal is being referred to the War Office, and until instructions there from are received, the person entitled to receive them will not be known to this office.
The only effects which have been received is a Disc, which has been issued to the person authorised by the War Office to receive it.
Signed Lieutenant Colonel, for Officer i/c Infantry Records. Lichfield, 5/3/24.

The Under Secretary of State,
The War Office, (A.G.10),
27, Pilgrim Street,
Ludgate Hill,
London. E.C.4.
I beg to report that the 1914-15 Star, and British War and Victory Medals awarded in respect of the services of the late No. 12696 A/CSM G. Potterton, The Leicestershire Regiment, were issued to his brother, Mr. J. Potterton, at Humberstone Drive, Leicester, on 27/11/21, and 1/11/21, respectively.
Mr. E. Hurrell, residing at 13, Napoleon Terrace, Bell St, Nottingham, (husband of Mrs. E. Hurrell, whose name appears on Effects-Form 118, No. E/297086/7. (Accounts 4), dated 25/2/21, has now made application for the decorations, on behalf of the late soldier’s son, George Leonard Potterton.
As no authority for the disposal of the medals can be traced, they have been recalled, and are now in possession of this office.
Mr. J. Potterton is shown as next of kin on Attestation.
It is requested that authority for disposal of the medals may be issued.
It is regretted that these decorations were issued in error.
Signed Colonel, Officer i/c Infantry Records. Lichfield, 18/3/24.

Mr. J. Potterton,
Beckington,
Humberstone Drive,
Leicester.
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 7th instant, your reluctance to return the medals is quite understood; but the fact that they were issued prematurely has already been explained.
It is regretted that it is not sufficient that they should be retained by you until instructions as to their disposal are received from the War Office.
It is therefore requested that they be returned as early as possible in the registered envelope enclosed in this office letter of the 29th ultime.
Yours Faithfully
Signed Lieutenant Colonel, for Officer i/c Infantry Records. Lichfield, 11/3/24.

Mr. J. Potterton,
Beckington,
Humberstone Drive,
Leicester.
Sir,
With reference to letters from this office dated 29th ultime and 5th and 11th instants, it is again requested that the 1914-15 Star, and British War and Victory Medals granted to the late No. 12696, A/CSM G. Potterton, The Leicestershire Regiment, may be returned to this office without delay.
Otherwise it is regretted it will be necessary to take other steps to obtain them.
Yours Faithfully
Signed Colonel, Officer i/c Infantry Records. Lichfield, 17/3/24.

Mr. J. Potterton,
Beckington,
Humberstone Drive,
Leicester.
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 17th instant, I have to acknowledge receipt of the 1914-15 Star, and British War and Victory Medals, of the late No. 12696, A/CSM G. Potterton, The Leicestershire Regiment.
The subject respecting their disposal has been referred to the War Office, and you will be informed as soon as possible.
Yours faithfully
Signed Lieutenant Colonel, for Officer i/c Infantry Records. Lichfield, 18/3/24.

The Under Secretary of State,
The War Office,
27, Pilgrim Street,
Ludgate Hill,
London. E.C.4.
April, 1924.
Ref: N.W./3/15058 (R.M.)
Memorandum for:
The Officer in charge, Infantry Records Office, Lichfield.
With reference to your letter No. 8/638, dated 18th March, 1924, relating to the disposal of Medals awarded in respect of the services of the late No. 12696 Acting Company Sergeant Major G. Potterton, The Leicestershire Regiment, I am directed to inform you that as he was not married at the time of his death, his son, George Leonard Potterton, has no legal claim to any part of the estate as he is of illegitimate birth.
I am, therefore, to request the return of the decorations to this Department, the necessary noting being made on the Medal Rolls in your possession accordingly.
I am to add that any subsequent application for these Medals should be referred to this Department.
Signed Director of Personal Services. Lich/8/638.

The Under Secretary of State,
The War Office,
27, Pilgrim Street,
Ludgate Hill,
London. E.C.4.
With reference to War Office Memorandum, No. N.W/3/15068 (R.M.), A.G.10, dated 7/4/14, the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals awarded in respect of the services of the late No. 12696 Acting Company Sergeant Major G. Potterton, The Leicestershire Regiment, are returned herewith as requested.
His name appears on the Rolls of the Leicestershire Regiment, 1914-15 Star, page 423B, and British War and Victory Medals, page 575B.
The necessary noting has been made on the Rolls in possession of this office.
Signed by Colonel, Officer i/c Infantry records. Lichfield, 9/4/24. Lich/8/638.

Mr. J. Potterton,
Beckington,
Humberstone Drive,
Leicester.
Sir,
With reference to the Medals awarded in respect of the services of the late No. 12696, Acting Company Sergeant Major G. Potterton, The Leicestershire Regiment. I have to inform you that the decorations have been returned to the War Office under instructions there from, and that if you desire to make application for them, any communication will be forwarded to the War Office.
Yours Faithfully
Signed Lieutenant Colonel for Officer i/c Infantry Records. Lichfield. 9/4/24.
The War Diary records: 25 Sep-16 - The morning was spent in making final preparations for attack. Enemy shelling not heavy and a few casualties were sustained. At 12.35pm waves were formed up in front of trenches. At 12.37pm the advance commenced, “C” and “D” Companies in extended order, “A” and “B” Companies in artillery formation, enemy immediately commenced an extremely intense and deep barrage. At 12.45pm the first two platoons of “D” Company reached GIRD TRENCH, but sustained heavy casualties. All the Company officers becoming casualties, 2nd Lieutenant A. E. PETER, 2nd Lieutenant W. S. GILBERT, Company Sergeant Major POTTERTON were all killed, 2nd Lieutenant CLARK was wounded. The remnants of the first 2 waves of “C” Company reached GIRD TRENCH, but owing to machine gun fire from the right, and the Brigade on the right, having failed to take GIRD TRENCH, the party were all killed or wounded. 2nd Lieutenant RENNIE was killed in GIRD TRENCH, Lieutenant HENWOOD was wounded. Captain WEBB wheeled the 3rd and 4th waves of “C” Company and formed a defensive flank down SUNKEN ROAD facing right. At 1.00pm Captain WEBB was wounded and Company Sergeant Major RHODES was killed. “C” Company suffered extremely heavy casualties from machine gun fire. “A” and “B” Companies advanced and established themselves in NEW TRENCH, BULL TRENCH and PATROL TRENCH and shell holes in the rear. Battalion Headquarters advanced from LEWIS TRENCH to PATROL TRENCH. At 1.37pm Captain ALLBERRY led “A” Company forward but was immediately killed by machine gun fire from the right flank. Lieutenant HARDY, 2nd Lieutenant LEWIS, Company Sergeant Major RICE and many of Company becoming casualties through the same cause. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG was wounded in the arm in PATROL TRENCH. At 1.37pm Battalion Headquarters advanced to BULL TRENCH. At 2.00pm the remainder of Battalion Headquarters viz: Lieutenant Colonel HAIG, Captain POPHAM (8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT), Lieutenant TOOTH and 3 orderlies advanced to NEW TRENCH. Captain POPHAM and the 3 orderlies were wounded. At 2.35pm the advance hung up on account of machine gun fire and rifle fire. Enemy still occupying GIRD TRENCH on right of SUNKEN ROAD. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG and Lieutenant TOOTH advanced to NEW TRENCH and finding it empty, crossed over to GOAT TRENCH. Only dead and wounded men were found in GOAT TRENCH, accordingly Lieutenant Colonel HAIG and Lieutenant TOOTH in anticipation that the front two Companies had reached GIRD TRENCH, again advanced to PILGRIMS WAY where 40 other ranks of the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT were found without any officer. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG decided to remain and hold on with the 40 other ranks until reinforcements arrived to clear GIRD TRENCH on right. At 3.00pm connection with 55th Division in GIRD TRENCH on the left of PILGRIMS WAY was established. A bombing group of 8th and 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT was organised and bombed down GIRD TRENCH on the right of PILGRIMS WAY for 50 or 60 yards. Many of the enemy were killed and 12 were taken prisoner. Owing to the lack of bombs, a block was established, and a Lewis gun posted near the block. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG sent numerous reports on the situation to Brigade Headquarters, only two of which reached Brigade, the orderlies being either killed or wounded. Heavy shelling all the time. At 8.00pm connection with Brigade was established through 2nd Lieutenant KELLY. During the night the ROYAL ENGINEERS constructed a strong point at N.32.a.1.9. The night was spent digging in and consolidating position. The enemy seemed to be working round behind PILGRIMS WAY, but did not attack. From zero (12.35pm) to 5.30pm, the enemy kept up a heavy and very deep barrage becoming intense at times.
On Friday October 27th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – SERGT.-MAJOR GEORGE POTTERTON. Official information was received on Sunday morning that Company Sergt. Major George Potterton, of the Leicester’s, had been killed in action. Deceased was a native of Leicester, and served 18 years in the Leicestershire Regt. He was in India when the South African War broke out, but subsequently went through that campaign. He then left the army, and came to reside in Melton in order to work at the Holwell Iron Company’s furnaces, where he was employed six years. Deceased re-enlisted in October, 1914, and was out at the front more than a year, being finally shot down whilst leading his company in an attack. At one time deceased was a well known footballer, and formerly played for the Leicestershire Depot before joining the Holwell Works team. He was 36 years of age. Two of his brothers are serving, one of whom, Harry, was gassed, but he recovered from the effects of it.