Mottershead, Thomas

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Cemetery: Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (Nord)

Country: France

Area: Nord

Rank: Serjeant

Force: Royal Flying Corps

Official Number: 1396

Unit: 20th Sqdn.

Country of Service: British

Details: V C D C M Died of burns received in action 12th January 1917. Age 27. Son of Thomas and Lucy Mottershead of Widnes; husband of Lilian Medlicott Mottershead of 31 Lilac Avenue Widnes Lancs. III. A. 126. 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."

Photograph by Chris Cosgrove

Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (Nord) - Mottershead, Thomas

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