1. Thomas Mottershead VC, DCM was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
12 Facts About Thomas Mottershead
1. 2.
Thomas Mottershead was born in Widnes, Lancashire on 17 January 1892.
3.
Thomas Mottershead was the son of Thomas and Lucy Mottershead.
4.
Thomas Mottershead studied engineering at Widnes Technical School and was apprenticed as a fitter and turner after leaving school.
5.
Thomas Mottershead enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps on 10 August 1914 as a mechanic, Thomas Mottershead was posted to the Central Flying school at Upavon and was promoted to Sergeant on 1 April 1916.
6.
Thomas Mottershead was posted to No 25 Squadron at St Omer, flying the FE 2, on 6 July 1916 and saw action in the Battle of the Somme.
7.
Accounts of the engagement indicate that it was Thomas Mottershead's skillful manoeuvring which enabled Street to shoot the enemy aircraft down.
8.
On 7 January 1917 near Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium, Sergeant Thomas Mottershead was on patrol in FE-2d with observer Lt.
9.
Thomas Mottershead was rescued but died of burns to his face, arms and thighs five days later in Number 8 Casualty Clearing Station, Bailleul.
10.
Thomas Mottershead survived the war, and in May 1917 received the Military Cross from the King for his efforts to help Sgt Motterhead by spraying him with the aircraft's fire extinguisher, despite being on fire himself.
11.
Thomas 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.
12.
On 1 April 2018 a statue commemorating Thomas Mottershead was unveiled in Victoria Park, Widnes.