Thomas Mottershead was born to Thomas and Lucy in Widnes, Lancashire on 17th January 1892.

He studied engineering at Widnes Technical School and was apprenticed as a fitter and turner after leaving school and was working as a garage mechanic when World War I broke out.

He enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps on 10th August 1914 as a mechanic. He was posted to the Central Flying School at Upavon and was promoted to Sergeant on 1 April 1916.

In May 1916, he began pilot training and obtained his Flying Certificate on 9th June. He was posted to 25 Sqn at St Omer on July 1916 and saw action in the Battle of the Somme. On 22 September, Thomas bombed the railway station at Samain, destroying one ammunition train and strafing another.

While climbing away from the target, their aircraft was attacked, and with “exemplary flying skills”, Thomas shot down the enemy aircraft.

For this action and other displays of gallantry, Sgt Mottershead was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant.

On 7 January 1917 near Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium, Sergeant Mottershead was on patrol with Lt. William Gower acting as observer when he was engaged in combat by two enemy aircraft.

Lt Gower managed to hit one and put it out of the action -- however, Thomas’ aircraft was hit by the second and crashed.

Five days later, Thomas died in Number 8 Casualty Clearing Station, Bailleul, and is buried in the CWGC Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord.

He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the only V.C. ever to be awarded to a non-commissioned RFC officer during the First World War.

The medal was presented to his widow Lilian by King George V in a ceremony in Hyde Park, London on 2 June 1917.

Citation

“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, Sgt. 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.”

Lt Gower suffered severe facial burns and spent some eight months recuperating prior to being transferred as an instructor to Palestine. He survived the war, and in May 1917, received the Military Cross from the King for his efforts to help Sgt Mottershead by spraying him with the aircraft's fire extinguisher, despite being on fire himself.