second Albatros however, flown by German 'ace' Leutnant Walter Göttsch (20 victories), hit Mottershead's aircraft, with the petrol tank pierced and the machine was set on fire. Enveloped in flames which his observer was unable to subdue with a handheld fire extinguisher, the Sergeant was badly burned but nevertheless managed to take his aircraft back to the Allied lines and made a successful forced landing. The undercarriage collapsed on touching the ground however, throwing the observer clear but pinning Mottershead in his cockpit. He was subsequently rescued but died of his burns five days later. Mottershead received the only V.C. ever awarded to a non-commissioned RFC officer during the First World War. The medal was presented to Mottershead's widow Lilian by King George V in a ceremony in Hyde Park, London on 2 June 1917. Citation Memorial Fund Concert On Wednesday, 11 April 1917 the Mayor of Widnes held a concert in the Premier Picture House for the "Memorial Fund to the late Sergeant T. Mottershead V.C, D.C.M" The flyer for that concert included a 'TRIBUTE TO "A VERY GALLANT SOLDIER"', by Amanda Bebbington, also published in the "Weekly News" on 16 February 1917. TRIBUTE TO "A VERY GALLANT SOLDIER" If I strove to tell this story as such story should be told, I should write in jewel letters on a leaf of shining gold; With a diamond pen to shrine each word as crystal as a tear, And a blood-red fire of rubies to flash the record clear. Oh! I cannot tell this story, for the flame is in my heart, And my soul's afire with a vision of the mighty hero-part; And I spill the diamonds, in tears, that blind my mortal eyes As I dream the horror of that flight through the unpitying skies. Oh! A nation's heart beats quicker with a proud exultant glow; For such deeds as these can thrill her through her agony of woe. And the England that doth render him her amplest meed of fame Counts richest jewel in her crown her brave son's honoured name. I leave the story all untold - too feeble are my words. The ocean's diapason and the storm wind's thundering chords, The very stars that strew the heavens, the suns that ceaseless roll Shall sing and blaze the brighter since they keep that hero-soul. (Amanda Bebbington, in the "Weekly News", 16 February 1917) Statue On 1