Edward John Mott

Who was Edward John Mott?

Edward John Mott VC DCM was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He enlisted in the The Border Regiment and, in 1915, he took part in the ill-fated Dardanelles Expedition, after which he served in Egypt and then on the Western Front.

He was 23 years old and a Sergeant in the 1st Battalion, The Border Regiment, British Army when he was awarded the VC.

On 27 January 1917 south of Le Transloy, France, an attack by Sergeant Mott's company was held up at a strong-point by machine-gun fire. Although severely wounded in the eye, Sergeant Mott made a rush for the gun and after a fierce struggle seized the gunner and took him prisoner, capturing the gun. It was due to the dash and initiative of this NCO that the left flank attack succeeded.