Immortalised: Governor-General Maj-Gen Michael Jeffery unveils the statue of Brig Arnold Potts. Photo by David Cussons
BRIG Arnold William Potts, the man who led the defence of the Kokoda track in 1942, has been honoured with a bronze memorial in his home town of Kojonup, WA.
Governor-General Maj-Gen Michael Jeffery unveiled the statute before a crowd of 1300 veterans, locals and visitors on May 6.
Brig Potts undertook a series of delaying tactics against the Japanese forces on the Kokoda track in 1942. The manoeuvres were at odds with the orders of the high command, however, after recognising that the Japanese forces were larger and better equipped than his own, Brig Potts made the decision to implement a fighting withdrawal.
Military historians and veterans alike have subsequently applauded his tactics which, vitally, saved Port Moresby.
Brig Potts took up a soldier-settler block at Kojonup, a property his descendants still farm.
