By Cheryl Wood

AN RAF doctor from north-east Fife has been recognised for his bravery with a Mention in Despatches.

Squadron Leader Sam Potter (41), from Drumoig, was said to have shown true courage in a series of incidents while serving in Iraq.

At Basra Palace he delivered life-saving care under hostile fire and threat of missile and grenade attack and when a rocket struck a contingency operation base he repeatedly entered the burning wreckage to help those who had been trapped or injured.

He raced to the aid of RAF casualties injured in firefighting in a market place while rounds struck the ground around him and risked his life in vain to save someone trapped in a burning vehicle.

Squadron Leader Keith Wardlaw, communications manager at RAF Leuchars where Sqdn Ldr Potter is based, said, “Time and again he has proved himself to be a courageous leader who acted selflessly and with complete disregard for his own safety whilst ensuring that of others.”

He said the incidents characterised the personal dangers and professional challenges Sqdn Ldr Potter had encountered during a most intense operational deployment in Iraq.

“On all occasions he has responded with true courage, bravery and calm professionalism that has saved his life and which sets him apart.”

The father-of-three, who is a deputy senior medical officer at Leuchars, returned from his tour of duty in Basra last summer and is now serving in the Middle East, supporting Exercise Magic Carpet.

He arrived in Basra at the height of the insurgents’ rocket campaign against the contingency operating base (COB) and during a particularly intense period of ground operations mounted in support of Basra Palace.

As the medical officer with the helicopter-borne Immediate Response Team he regularly dealt with incidents at the palace, often under fire or the threat of attack by missiles and grenades.

On July 19 when a rocket struck accommodation in the COB killing three and seriously injuring 11, Sqdn Ldr Potter was at the centre of rescue and recovery efforts.

On August 7 his team was called to recover two RAF casualties from Al Waki market while ground forces were still heavily engaged.

Sqdn Ldr Wardlaw said, “Within seconds of touchdown, Potter leaped off the ramp and raced to the casualties with rounds striking the ground around him.

“His calmness and professionalism under fire truly inspired his team and was instrumental in saving the corporal’s life.”

Just two days later Sqdn Ldr Potter risked his life again. His helicopter landed on the main supply route south of Tallil where a vehicle had been hit by a roadside bomb.

One person was dead, two casualties lay nearby and a man was trapped in the vehicle. Sqdn Ldr Wardlaw said Sqdn Ldr Potter made several attempts to extract the casualty, but had to concede defeat.

“Despite witnessing this horrific event, he once again was quick to ensure that the remaining casualties were cared for and that the junior team members, many of whom were traumatised themselves, were able to function under his calm and positive leadership.”