Serjeant THOMAS MOTTERSHEAD
Royal Flying Corps
20th Sqdn.
Died 12 January 1917
Age 27 years old
Photographer: Unknown
- Country of Service United Kingdom
- Awards Victoria Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal
- Additional Info Son of Thomas and Lucy Mottershead, of Widnes; husband of Lilian Medlicott Mottershead, of 31, Lilac Avenue, Widnes, Lancs.
- Personal Inscription NOT ONCE OR TWICE IN OUR ROUGH ISLAND STORY WAS THE PATH OF DUTY THE WAY TO GLORY
- Additional Citation note
An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 29937, dated 9th Feb., 1917, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery, endurance and skill, when attacked at an altitude of 9,000 feet; the petrol tank was pierced and the machine set on fire. Enveloped in flames, which his Observer, Lt. Gower was unable to subdue, this very gallant soldier succeeded in bringing his aeroplane back to our lines, and though he made a successful landing, the machine collapsed on touching the ground, pinning him beneath wreckage from which he was subsequently rescued. Though suffering extreme torture from burns, Serjt. Mottershead showed the most conspicuous presence of mind in the careful selection of a landing place, and his wonderful endurance and fortitude undoubtedly saved the life of his Observer. He has since succumbed to his injuries."
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