ALBERT CHARLES POTKINS
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Born: 1912, Ipswich.
Died: 1st September 1943; age: 31; Japanese POW – Thailand – Burma Railway.
Captured: 15th February 1942.
Residence: 27, Gloucester Road, Ipswich.
Employed: at Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, Ipswich.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 5833093.
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battalion – Infantry.
Grave Reference:
Thanbyuzayat,
Mon State,
Myanmar.
Image courtesy of Kevin Knights.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of George William & Mary Potkins, of Ipswich.
Father: George William Potkins, December 1870, Caxton, Cambridgeshire.
Mother: Mary Potkins (nee Fox), born January 1871, in Debenham, Suffolk.
CENSUS
1921 54, Lady Lane, Ipswich.
Albert was 9 years old. He attended School and lived with his parents and brothers.
George Potkins, 50 years & 6 months old, a Navy for Ipswich Corporation.
Mary Potkins, 50 years & 5 months old, Home Duties.
Arthur Potkins, 17 years & 11 months, an Iron Moulder for Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies – Engineers, of Orwell Works, Ipswich, born St. Peter’s, Ipswich.
Harold Edward Potkins, 11 years & 1 month old, at School, born St. Peter’s, Ipswich.
Stanley Francis Potkins, 6 years & 2 months old, at School, born St. Peter’s, Ipswich.
ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939
Albert was a Timber Yard Labourer. He was living with his parents & siblings at the family home – 27, Gloucester Road, Ipswich.
George, a Corporation General Labourer.
Mary, unpaid Domestic Duties.
George William Potkins, a Permanent Way labourer, born December 1899, Ipswich.
Arthur, a Plate Pattern Iron Moulder.
Alfred Potkins, a Corporation General Labourer, born August 1905, Ipswich.
Stanley, a C/Hand Inspector – Iron Fittings.
Albert is also remembered by Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies with entrance gates, dedicated in May 1958, at Ransomes Sports’ Centre, Sidegate Avenue, Ipswich.
4th and 5th Battalions:
The Battalions were attached to the 18th East Anglian Division.
15 February 1942: After the fall of Singapore, approximately 620 of the Battalions were taken PoW and later mostly died on the Burma-Thailand Railway.
SUFFOLK REGIMENT MUSEUM
Friends of The Suffolk Regiment
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