V.C. FOR DEAD AIRMAN.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 14 May 1917, Page 2

V.C. FOR DEAD AIRMAN.

LANDED IN FLAMES, BUT SAVED

inS OBSERVER

Rarely is a finer tale of gallantry told than that of Sergeant Thomas Mottershead, of the Royal Flying Corps, now dead, who has been awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery, endurance, and skill, when his machine was on fire 9,000 feet above the earth. By his valour and prowess he undoubtedly saved the life of his observer, and, although the story is told in the brief official form of the "London Gazette," it loses nothing of its heroism in the bare details, which were as follows: ; When attacked ai an altitude of !>,')oo feet the petrol tank was pierced, and the machine set on fire. Enveloped in flames, which his observer Lieut. Cower, was unable to Subdue, !!.i> very gallant soldier succeeded in bringing his aeroplane back to our lines, and, though he made a successful land!;!:- the machine collapsed on touching the ground, pinning him beneath the wreckage, from which he was subsequent !y rescued. Though suffering extreme torture from burns, Sergeant Mottreshead howed the most ron-qd'- • us presence r.f m \ VA ] hi the ci'ivf-d . 'le Hon of a landing place, and his wonderful endurance and fortitude undoubtedly saved the life of his observe ;. lie has since died from his injuries. Sergeant Mottershead who came from "Widnes, L. i : ;<-,• •?;.- won the Distinguished "■■■] '■ ■' ">f»d:il for destroying an enemy ammunition train and a Fokker, I