A commemorative paving stone in honour of Widnes’ First World War Victoria Cross hero, Thomas Mottershead, will be unveiled in Victoria Park on Sunday 15 January.

There will be a parade and service in Victoria Park starting at 11am prior to the unveiling of the stone which marks 100 years since the act of bravery for which Sergeant Mottershead was awarded the Victoria Cross.

As part of the Government’s First World War Centenary campaign, paving stones are being laid around the country at the birth places of Victoria Cross (VC) recipients. The first one was laid in 2014, 100 years on from the outbreak of the First World War,  and the last one will be in 2018.

Organised by the Royal British Legion and Halton Borough Council, the event will  include approximately 70 representatives  from 310 Air Cadet Squadron, the 146 Air Cadet Squadron Band, senior military personnel from both squadrons and the region, 14 Standards from North West, the Irish Guards and Knights Choirs, and Widnes Army Cadets. Local  community groups, several of Sgt Mottershead’s relatives, young people and local dignitaries will be taking part.

Thomas Mottershead VC (17 January 1892 – 12 January 1917) was a pilot with the  Royal Flying Corps. He landed his plane after it became engulfed in flames from enemy fire, saving the life of his observer in the process. The brave airman later died due to the injuries he sustained and was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC) in 1917.