On 7 January 1917 near Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium, Sergeant Mottershead was on patrol in FE-2d (serial number A39) with observer Lt. Willian Edward Gower when he was engaged in combat by two Albatros D.III of Jasta 8.

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.

[8] Lt Gower, 26, a pre-war railway engineering draughtsman from 62 Arthur Street, Derby, suffered severe facial burns and spent some eight-months recuperating prior to being transferred as an instructor to Palestine.

Enveloped in flames, which his Observer, Lt. Gower was unable to subdue, this very gallant soldier succeeded in bringing his aeroplane back to our lines, and though he made a successful landing, the machine collapsed on touching the ground, pinning him beneath wreckage from which he was subsequently rescued.

Mottershead showed the most conspicuous presence of mind in the careful selection of a landing place, and his wonderful endurance and fortitude undoubtedly saved the life of his Observer.

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.

And the England that doth render him her amplest meed of fame Counts richest jewel in her crown her brave son's honoured name.

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) On 1 April 2018 a statue commemorating Mottershead was unveiled in Victoria Park, Widnes.