Joseph Edward Mott GC

Place/date of birth: Stepney, London/March 30, 1914

Rank when awarded GC (and later highest rank): Private

Date of bravery: December 25, 1937

London Gazette citation:

The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Medal of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire to the undermentioned:

For Gallantry

No.6009084 Private Joseph Edward Mott, 1st Battalion, The Essex Regiment

At about 8.20 p.m. on the 25th December 1937, a bomb was thrown into the Jordania Café, Haifa. The Café was crowded with soldiers and civilians at the time. The bomb fell at the feet of Private Mott who was seated at a table with some other men of the Battalion. With the utmost coolness and presence of mind, Private Mott picked it up and hurled it through the window into the street, where it exploded with great violence.

This highly courageous act undoubtedly saved several lives, and injuries to many.

[Joseph Mott’s Empire Gallantry Medal was exchanged into the award of the George Cross following the Royal Warrant of September 1940]

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Basildon, Essex/January 12, 1983

Grave/memorials: Ashes scattered Lawn 28, South Essex Cemetery, Upminster

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 2016

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum