A SPECIAL commemorative stone was unveiled in memory of a heroic soldier who received the Victoria Cross for bravery in the First World War.

More than 100 people filled St Peter’s Church, in Drayton, on Sunday morning for a service led by the Bishop of Dorchester, Rev Colin Fletcher, honouring the life of Edward John Mott.

Born in the village on July 4, 1893, Sgt Mott, who served with the 1st Battalion The Border Regiment, was awarded the VC in January 1917. He was 23 at the time and his company was held up at a strong-point by machine-gun fire in the south of France. 

The citation read: “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.”

Oxford Mail:

The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Bishop Fletcher said Sgt Mott’s efforts during the war emphasised the importance of the individual.

He said: “Hearing about the display of immense courage of Edward Mott reminded me of the significance of the individual and the difference individual people can make.”

Before his bravery in 1917, Sgt Mott had taken part in the Dardanelles Expedition in 1915, where he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for ‘gallant conduct in leading his company to successive fire positions’ and ‘conspicuous bravery and good service in attacking over difficult country’. 

His grandson Andrew Mott has spent many years researching his grandfather’s history.

The 60-year-old, who lives in Chesterfield, said: “Local people have said to me that they didn’t realise he was from here, so this service was about letting them know they had someone like him come from the village.

“Everyone turned up, which was brilliant, and I’m very pleased with how the service went.”

When on leave from France in September, 1918, Sgt Mott married Evelyn Maud Hopgood. The couple had eight children and their family home was in Milton, Oxfordshire. 

Sgt Mott died in Witney in October 1967 at the age of 74.

His eldest grandchild, Jennifer Sandison, 69, of Aberdeen, said: “Edward never really spoke about what happened to him but he was very proud of being a soldier and serving his country.”

On Friday, Mrs Sandison visited Drayton Community Primary School and Carswell Community School to talk to children about her grandfather.

After the service, many of those in attendance went to a reception at Drayton Hall where there was an exhibition on the life of Sgt Mott.