it was over it was over". Potts handed over command of the 23rd Brigade to Brigadier Noel Simpson on 4 December 1945. His farewell order to troops said; "The standard of efficiency as a Brigade and the fighting spirit of the troops will remain always as a vivid memory". The next day he flew home to Australia. For his service on Bougainville Potts was Mentioned in Despatches twice. Later life Following the war, Potts returned to farming in Western Australia and briefly attempted to pursue a career in politics, standing unsuccessfully in 1949 as a Country Party candidate for the federal seat of Forrest in the House of Representatives. However, his preferences allowed Liberal challenger Gordon Freeth to defeat Labor minister Nelson Lemmon. Lemmon was well ahead on the first count, but Potts' preferences flowed overwhelmingly to Freeth on the third count, allowing Freeth to win from third place. In 1960 Potts was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the New Years Honours List. After several strokes, he became reliant on a wheelchair. He died on 1 January 1968 at Kojonup, aged 71. Notes References External links 1896 births 1968 deaths Australian brigadiers Australian military personnel of World War I Australian military personnel of World War II Companions of the Distinguished Service Order Officers of the Order of the British Empire Recipients of the Military Cross Manx emigrants to Australia Kokoda