Thomas Mottershead
Sergeant, 20 Squadron Royal Flying Corps
- Register No.
- 892 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Sergeant all Sergeants →
- Unit
- 20 Squadron Royal Flying Corps (register: No. 20 Squadron RFC) all No. 20 Squadron RFC VCs →
- Date of action
- 7 January 1917 on this day → all of 1917 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- 12th February 1917 on this day → all of 1917 →
- Born
- 17th January 1893 at Widnes, Lancashire
- Died
- 12th January 1917 at Bailleul, France
- Award
- Posthumous all posthumous VCs →
- Memorial / grave
- Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France and on an Obelisk, Victoria Park, Widnes
Digest of citation
On 7th January 1917 near Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium, Sergeant Mottershead was on flying patrol when he was attacked at an altitude of 9.000 feet, the petrol tank pierced and the machine set on fire. Enveloped in flames which his observer was unable to subdue, the sergeant nevertheless managed to take his aircraft back to the Allied lines and made a successful landing. The undercarriage collapsed on touching the ground however, throwing the observer clear but pinning the pilot in his cockpit. He was subsequently rescued but Died on four days later
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
MOTTERSHEAD, Thomas (reg.No.892)
Sergeant 20 Squadron Royal Flying Corps.
London Gazetted on 12th February 1917.
Born on: 17th January 1893 at Widnes, Lancashire.
Died on: 12th January 1917 at Bailleul, France.
Memorial at: Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France and on an Obelisk, Victoria Park, Widnes.
Digest of Citation reads: On 7th January 1917 near Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium, Sergeant Mottershead was on flying patrol when he was attacked at an altitude of 9.000 feet, the petrol tank pierced and the machine set on fire. Enveloped in flames which his observer was unable to subdue, the sergeant nevertheless managed to take his aircraft back to the Allied lines and made a successful landing. The undercarriage collapsed on touching the ground however, throwing the observer clear but pinning the pilot in his cockpit. He was subsequently rescued but Died on four days later.
Additional information: He also held the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) Added to the citation in VC 1856 to 1920 it states, 'Though suffering extreme torture from burns, Sgt Mottershead showed the most conspicuous presence of mind in the careful selection of a landing place, and his wonderful endurance and fortitude undoubtably saved the life of his observer. He has since succumbed to his injuries'. He was married. His wifes name was Lilian.
Additional information
He also held the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) Added to the citation in VC 1856 to 1920 it states, 'Though suffering extreme torture from burns, Sgt Mottershead showed the most conspicuous presence of mind in the careful selection of a landing place, and his wonderful endurance and fortitude undoubtably saved the life of his observer. He has since succumbed to his injuries'. He was married. His wifes name was Lilian.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France and on an Obelisk, Victoria Park, Widnes
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
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