VC DCM
LORD“H AESRHOC ORFO FT’S THE MONTH”
SACRIFICE
AGGRESSION • BOLDNESS INITIATIVE • LEADERSHIP SKILL • ENDURANCE
The many Victoria Crosses and George Crosses in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum in London are displayed under one of seven different qualities of bravery. Acting Flight Sergeant Thomas Mottershead’s award is part of the collection, and Lord Ashcroft feels that it falls within the category of sacrifice:
“In what is apparently the simplest quality of bravery, Sacrifice epitomises selfless responsibility. Noble, strong, dependable, life is offered up to protect, save or comfort others. It is not always lost, but it is always freely given.”
Thomas Mottershead was born in Widnes, Lancashire, on 17 January 1892. His father, also called Thomas, was a horse-keeper, and his mother was called Lucy (née Hawkins). Thomas Jnr was educated first at Simms Cross Council School in Widnes and, later, at Widnes Technical School where he studied engineering. Both sporty and religious, he was apprenticed after leaving school as a fitter and turner at the Widnes Alkali works. Next, Mottershead became a member of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and was employed by Cammell Lairds in Birk…
