206147 Capt. Herbert William Mottley M.C. 1st Btn Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry from:Ranahan, Fitzjohn Ave. Barnet This was my grandfather, Herbert William Mottley. I have only now learned his story (or part of it). The Supplement to the London Gazette, 30 July, 1919 gives the outline of the engagement that earned him the M.C. At that time he was T./Lt. (Acting Captain) 1st Batt York Light Infantry. It reads: "For conspicuous gallantry during the attack on Prospect Hill in front of Le Catelet on Oct 3rd, 1918. In face of many difficulties and strong opposition he showed great skill and determination in gaining the objective which he suceeded in holding throughout the day. Again on the night of Oct 8th, when his company attacked Villers Farm near Villers Outreaux, he carried out a critical operation with extreme coolness under heavy machine-gun fire."
I do not have any details of this engagement or indeed others in which he was engaged or any photographs of his time in the army. Unfortunately I did not know him as he died when I was one year old, but I would like to pay tribute to him and his comrades.
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