A WORLD War Two veteran has been recognised for his long-standing service to his fellow airmen in the New Year Honours list.
Sqn Ldr Herbert Nevil Mottershead, known as Nevil, or “Bluey” has organised reunions for 158 Squadron members for the last 40 years, is president of the Brailsford and District Royal British Legion and has collected for the Poppy Appeal at Brailsford, London’s Albert Hall and at Pride Park, the home of Derby FC, where he has also laid a wreath of poppies on the centre of the pitch for the last three years.
Sq Ldr Mottershead will be 90 on January 20 and is delighted to have been included on the honours list this year.
He said: “It’s wonderful, it’s a great honour.” The father of two, has been married to Kaye for 66 years and is originally from Shropshire, although he has lived in the Ashbourne area for more than 50 years.
Now living at Brailsford, the couple were amazed to be invited to Buckingham Palace in 2012 where Sq Ldr Mottershead will receive an MBE from HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
Having trained as a pilot in America by the time he was 19, “Bluey” had returned to Britain and prepared to go to war. He joined the 158 Squadron and completed his tour of duty before going to work with the Oboe radar navigation system.
He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during World War Two, when he managed to pilot the Friday the 13th Halifax plane back from a bombing raid over Mannheim, after losing part of a wing and an engine.
In the years after the war, Sq Ldr Mottershead has dedicated much of his time and energy to the 158 Squadron Association, including the dedication of a memorial at RAF Lissett Aerodrome near Bridlington, where the squadron was based.
A firm supporter of the Royal British Legion and a stalwart of the Poppy Appeal, Sq Ldr Mottershead has also acted as a school governor and councillor in various parts of Derbyshire.
But, it is his voluntary work for the veterans of 158 Squadron which have won him recognition.
Mrs Mottershead said: “It was a bit hard to believe, but we’re getting excited now.
“It seems strange after all this time, but we are looking forward to being able to tell people and of course, I’m very proud.” Sqn Ldr Mottershead is joined on the honours list by the principal of Derby College, David Croll, who lives at Mayfield and will receive an OBE.
Mr Croll, 59, will now join his wife, Sarah Robinson, who was also awarded an OBE for services to education in 2008.
He has been recognised for his educational work in and around Derby since 1995, with the development of state-of-the-art learning facilities and promoting partnerships with businesses and other organisations, allowing students to acquire skills necessary for the workplace.
Mr Croll said: “I am obviously delighted to accept the OBE on behalf of everyone at Derby College who has worked so hard over the years and continues to do so to make this an astounding centre of excellence for further education.
“Having brought four colleges together under the Derby College banner and ethos over the years, raised standards and invested heavily in developing state of the art facilities for our staff and students, this is a wonderful testament to the recognition and value that is put on our achievements.”
