A SITE for the lasting memorial to an “extraordinary human being” and Reading’s only Victoria Cross winner has today been announced.

The memorial statue for hero Trooper Fred Potts, who pulled a wounded comrade to safety on a trenching shovel during the First World War, will be built outside Forbury Gardens opposite Reading Crown Court.

Richard Bennett, chairman of the Trooper Potts VC Memorial Trust, told the Chronicle the statue is expected to be in place by October next year - the 100th anniversary of the presentation of the medal.

He added: “The site is crying out for a good piece of sculpture.

“We will be able to create a memorial and a significant piece of public art that is informative, will be seen clearly, provide space for reflection and draw people to this area as well as compliment the memorials within the gardens.”

The Trust now has until next year to raise the final £76,000 needed to build the £150,000 statue in tribute to Frederick Owen Potts, who was born in Katesgrove in 1892 and enlisted in the Berkshire Yeomanry’s Reading Squadron in 1912.

Trooper Potts was awarded the highest military decoration for valour “in the face of the enemy” in 1915 for dragging badly injured Arthur Andrews to safety under withering enemy fire, using an entrenching shovel fashioned into a makeshift stretcher at Gallipoli.

Speaking yesterday, Tilehurst Royal British Legion press officer Brian Lewendon said: “I was in favour of the monument being built in Forbury.

“We are pleased the town is going to have a memorial for him - our only Victoria Cross winner. I look forward to the unveiling.”

Designed by sculptor Tom Murphy, the cast bronze statue of Troopers Potts and Andrews will be 10ft long, 7ft high and 3ft wide. Once it is completed, it will be adopted by Reading Borough Council, which will be responsible for its cleaning and maintenance.

Council leader Jo Lovelock said: “I think it’s absolutely the right location and it’s going to be an important memorial. It will add to our heritage quarter.

“The Trooper Potts Committee has been doing sterling work and we hope they get the funding as soon as possible.”

Chris Andrews, grandson of Trooper Andrews, said: “If it wasn’t for Potts, I wouldn’t be here, my family wouldn’t be here.”

Trust patron Chris Tarrant told the Chronicle earlier this year: “Trooper Potts was clearly an extraordinary human being and I can’t believe it has taken us nearly 100 years to recognise his valour and heroism.”