Mersey memorial to war hero who inspired hit movie scene

A riverfront memorial to a Second World War hero who inspired a scene in the recent hit film Dunkirk has been unveiled.

Wallasey-born pilot Jack Potter is not mentioned by name but the moment in Christopher Nolan’s movie a pilot ditches his Spitfire into the sea after an engine seizure is based on his own experience.

Family and friends of the airman, including his son Robert, travelled from as far afield as Australia and Canada for yesterday’s service on Seacombe Promenade in Wirral, Merseyside.

Sgt Potter, who also served in the Battle of Britain, took part in the rescue of 200 service personnel from HMS Basilisk when it was sunk by German aircraft during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.

He survived the war and later settled in Brighton.

Councillor Jerry Williams, Wirral Council’s “heritage champion”, who traced Mr Potter’s family, said: “He had an illustrious war record.

“At Dunkirk, he destroyed a Messerschmitt. Less than a week later, his engine seized 15 miles from the English coast and he ditched into the sea, later being picked up and landed at Dover.

“During the Battle of Britain, he ditched into the Channel again, (was) picked up by a German vessel and spent the rest of his war in a prisoner of war camp.

“Jack survived the war and died in Brighton in 1977.”

Tony and Robert Potter, the sons of Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot Sergeant Jack Potter, below, who is being remembered on his native Merseyside.

Pictures: PA.