Name
Lewes Woodham Mott
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
23/04/1917
20
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Second Lieutenant
Royal Flying Corps
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
FEUCHY CHAPEL BRITISH CEMETERY, WANCOURT
I. D. 35.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Haileybury College Cloister Wall Memorial, Hertford Heath, Much Hadham Village Memorial, St Andrew’s Church Memorial, Much Hadham, Stone Bench Plaque, Much Hadham, Congregational Church Memorial, Hadham Cross, Cheltenham War Memorial, Long Garden, Promenade
Pre War
Born on 6 Nov 1896 and christened on 5 Dec 1896 in the Red House, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire son of Thomas Woodham and Gertrude Maria (Lewes) Mott.
In 1901 in the family were living in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, England, Lewes was age 4.
Educated at Haileybury College 1910-14. Lewes joined the Officer Training Corp and was the rank of Lance Corporal when he left school in December 1914.
The Motts moved from Much Hadham to Cheltenham during the war with their 2 daughters at the time of his death, as they had given over their house, Woodham House, Much Hadham to be a VA hospital. At the end of the war they returned to Much Hadham.
Wartime Service
Entered France on 10 Dec 1915. Once Lewes gained his commission, his father helped him get a 'desk job' in the 9th Essex Regiment. This was a Service Battalion which provided vital logistical support to sustain other units as well as a defensive roll if needed.
He was given a recommendation by his uncle, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Lewes Commander 9th Essex Regiment, who wrote: "The above (Lewes Woodham Mott) is my nephew and though my battalion is over strength request that he be appointed to one of the other Battalions of the Essex Regiment".
He was possibly suffering from shell shock 12/4/1916 to 15/4/1916 - Sick to Hospital and 13/4/1916 - Adm No 3 G4 VDG, 15/4/1916 to Sq 9 GH VDG Havre.
On 25/9/1916 he was accepted as Observer RFC and then on 4/10/1916 to RFC on field and on 6/10/1916 0 Joined RFC as observer.
From 18th Jan 1917, while serving with the Essex Regiment in France was declared unfit for general service for 2 months, unfit for home services for 6 weeks and unfit for light duty general service for 2 months, unfit for home services for 6 weeks and unfit for light duty for 1 month This was due to a swelling in the groin which was lanced (injured whilst playing football!).
The Medical report states that on Jan 3rd when in France he noticed a painful swelling in the R groin. He had had a boil on the R buttock previously. On January 18th the gland was incised. Present state nearly healed but there is some redness about the incision.
Arrival Report reads: Jan 1917 - 2nd Lt LW Mott Essex Regiment 9th Battalion, Recording Officer No 18 Squadron (late Observer No 11 Squadron). Address in UK 2 St Stephens Lawn, Cheltenham.
Left unit abroad 4/1/1917, embarked from England on 4/1/1917 at Havre. Arrived in Southampton 17/1/1917.
Returned sick (injury at football). Medical board had given sick leave from date he left hospital until Feb 18th 1917.
According to records on 12 Squadron it was based at Avesnes-Les Comtes from March 1916 to 9th May 1917. During this time they took part in the Battle of Arras on 9th April 1917.
28th April 1917 - 2 Telegrams sent to Lewes's parents. The first stating that he was missing, the 2nd that he had been reported killed 31st May 1917 - Letter sent to Lewes's Father from Captain Akroyd stating that Lewes had been buried in Feuchy Chapel Military Cemetery, Monchy-le-Preux. The grave had been registered with "this office" and was marked by a durable wooden cross with an inscription bearing full particulars.
22nd August 1917 - Report of the Standing Committee of Adjustment states that Lewes' financial accounts had been cleared (wages paid & debts recovered) It also states that no "small articles of specially sentimental or intrinsic value belonging to the deceased) were recovered."
According to a Pay Warrent, Lewes was entitled to pay from 4th Jan 1915 to 30th April 1917 as 2nd Lieut 9th Bn Essex Regiment .
Transcript of letter to Lewes's Uncle after his death.
8/5/1917
Dear General,
HQ RFC have written to me asking me to give you what information I can about Lt Mott of my Squadron. Lt Ralphs Pilot Lt Mott Observer were doing an Artillery Patrol on 23rd April. The machine did not return to base. That evening I received a message from one of the Divisional Artillery that a machine had been shot down & that the pilot & observer killed. They gave the names of both. Your nephew & the pilot were buried by the 29th Div Art. just west of the village of Monchy as it was impossible to bring the bodies in owing to the battle and the place is still under fire. (Map 1/40000 sheet 51B. Place coordinates N6C).
How it was brought down in not known as the machine was burnt. No hostile aircraft were reported at that time it may have been hostile Archie or one of our own guns. I am sorry I can give you no further information. I very much regret losing such a promising young officer he had only been a short time with us.
Yours sincerely
Charles S Burnett
Major XII Squadron RFC
This letter confirms that Lewes was originally buried just SW of the village of Monchy-le-Preux probably on 23rd April. Because of the lines moving and the advance of the Germans his body & that of Lieut Ralphs were then moved to the official military cemetery at at Feuchy Chapel British Cemetary, Wancourt a mile or so away.
Acknowledgments
Malcolm Lennox, Karen Smith - Acting Director of External Relations www.haileybury.com/honour Ruth Narramore “Lest We Forget – Much Hadham 1914-18” by Richard Maddams Much Hadham Forge Museum, Ruth Narramore
