On this day 7 January - RFC pilot performs gallantly

[7eat51]

On the 7th of January 1917, Sergeant Thomas Mottershead and his observer, Lt. W E Gower, of Number 20 Squadron, were on patrol near Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium. Flying FE-2d #A39, they were attacked by two Albatros D. IIIs from Jasta 8. Lt. Gower successfully put one of the D.IIIs out of action. The second German pilot, Leutnant Walter Göttsch, opened fire, piercing the FE-2d’s fuel tank and setting the plane ablaze. Lt. Gower, using a handheld fire extinguisher, was unable to put out the flames, which engulfed Sergeant Mottershead. Though badly burned, Mottershead flew the plane across Allied lines, maneuvering to keep the flames from his observer, and successfully force landed her. Upon impact, Lt. Gower was thrown free from the plane, but Mottershead was pinned in his cockpit until rescued. Sergeant Mottershead died five days later in Bailleul, France at the age of 24. For his actions, Mottershead was awarded the Victoria Cross. Previously, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for actions on 22 September 1916.

The citation for his actions was announced in the London Gazette of 9 February, 1917.*

War Office,

12th February, 1917.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to No. 1396 Sjt. Thomas Mottershead, late R.F.C.
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, Sjt. 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.

An FE-2d



Walter Göttsch

For more on Thomas Mottershead, see http://www.ww1wargraves.co.uk/ww1_ce...ottershead.asp

* http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issu.../1445/page.pdf

[Blackronin]

Excellent info and footage, Eric. Thanks.

[fast.git]

Good stuff, Eric. Thank you for continuing to educate!

[Flying Officer Kyte]

A very poignant account of the heroics of battle. No doubt there were many unsung heroes on both sides like Sgt Mottershead who gave their lives to save others.
Rob.

[7eat51]

I agree wholeheartedly, Rob. As my Dad shares stories from the Korean War, I am amazed at the actions he and others he knew performed, all of which went without formal recognition. To them, however, they were simply doing what needed to be done, and the thought of medals or accolades never entered the picture. I am sure such stories would fill a library.

An interesting aside - a later plane of Walter Göttsch won third place in the MvR Tribute Painting Contest: http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...ontest-Winners!

[csadn]

Pretty good results for a FE2 against two D.IIIs.