George Henry (Harry ) Potter

June 25th, 2009 by JCB
Posted in Obituaries | No Comments »

It was with much sadness that many colleagues and friends attended the funeral of retired London pilot George Potter who died in January aged 83.

Born in Whitby Bay in August 1925 he went to sea early on in the war where shortly afterwards his ship was torpedoed. Having been reported as “missing, presumed dead” his family was deep in grief when the news arrived that George had been rescued and taken to safety.  Despite this early traumatic experience, George continued to serve in the Merchant Navy throughout the war and no doubt witnessed many more tragedies. One particularly harrowing event occurred at the end of the war. In 1945 he was serving as Chief Officer on board the S.S. Cattaro loading dried fruit for home at Patras when an earthquake occurred which devastated that City. At the request of the RN, George and the crew joined their search and rescue party but were unable to locate any survivors in their sector.

After the war, George continued to serve as Chief Officer and Master until, in 1959, he was accepted by Trinity House as a London “Channel” pilot. Once authorised, he became a respected and popular member of the Gravesend pilotage community and was renowned for his good humour. Outside pilotage, George became involved with helping others and the term “pillar of the local community” doesn’t really do justice to his dedication. Amongst many other activities he became leader of the local cub and scout troop and was also involved with the Singelwell Primary School where he served as a Governor.  Whilst serving as a church warden at St Margaret’s church he became caretaker of the Gerald Miskin Memorial Hall where his organisational talents ranged from establishing the youth club to setting up the mother and toddler group! Such was his wizardry at sorting problems and helping people that it was inevitable that he became known as “Harry” to his friends.

I personally had the pleasure of tripping with George during my training and remember him as one who was always willing to share his knowledge and experience.

St Margaret’s church was filled to capacity for his funeral and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him but especially his wife, Gerda, his four children, his grandchildren and, more recently, a great grandchild.

JCB

Collated from several sources submitted by Retired Trinity House Channel pilot: Don McLean.