Family finds out about heroic ancestor’s past
THE YOUNGER members of a Widnes Victoria Cross (VC) hero’s family on the other side of the world have been learning more about their ancestor’s actions nearly a century ago.
Cynthia Williams is the granddaughter of Sgt Thomas Mottershead, who served in the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War.
Sgt Mottershead was awarded the VC posthumously in 1917 after saving the life of an observer by landing his plane while engulfed in flames from German fire.
The Sgt Thomas Mottershead Statue Appeal was officially launched in 2014 and is fundraising to build a statue to the Widnes airman, and has so far attracted more than £16,000.
The statue is due to be unveiled in Victoria Park on April 1, 2018, which will be the centenary of the RAF’s formation.
Cynthia, who lives in Australia, has visited the New Zealand branch of her family, including her son Guy and granddaughters Hannah and Sienna, who have donated to the appeal and are following its progress.
Cynthia said: “In rediscovering my grandfather’s history, I have been able to share Tom’s story with my family.
“I am able to share, not only his life and his deeds, but also his family life; his father, also Thomas; his mother, Lucy nee Hawkins; his eight siblings, three sisters and five brothers; and family even further back, together with where they lived and when.
“My granddaughters are fascinated to hear the stories behind the faces in my old family photographs and, hopefully, this will keep these memories and stories alive for them.”
The girls’ school recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and the duo have told people about their great-greatgrandfather being awarded the VC during the Great War, using stories and photographs to help them.
For more information about the appeal visit www. ttersheadstatueappeal.co.uk or email tonymiller27@yahoo.co.uk