Unexamined Lives

The story of the 20th century as lived by residents in the Derbyshire village of Borrowash

By

Maurice D. G. Scott (1896-1918)

Unexamined Lives would like to hear from any descendants of World War One hero, Maurice D.G. Scott, whose name appears on the Ockbrook War Memorial.

Captain Scott’s WW1 service was extremely distinguished and following an initial spell in the infantry, he transferred to aviation in February 1916. He subsequently served with three different squadrons, both as an aerial observer and a pilot and was credited with 12 official victories during his tenure in the Royal Flying Corps.

According to The London Gazette (18th March, 1918), Captain Scott was a singularly fearless and bold aviator, destroying eleven enemy aeroplanes and leading his patrols with daring and style. The day after his death in an airplane accident on 17th March 1918, he was awarded the Military Cross.

Captain Scott appears to have strong connections with Stoke Dameral in Plymouth, suggesting that his was a military family, stretching back to the 1800s. He has links with Exeter, Dorset and Felixstowe and may have been born in India. The year 1911 finds him living with his mother and brother Percy, in Bedford.

Percy Scott died in Borrowash in 1914; his probate record gives an address of 72, Wilson Street, Derby and he left £568-4s to his mother, Agnes Mary Scott.

Why did the Scott family move to Borrowash? Why is Captain Scott’s name engraved upon the Ockbrook War memorial?

Can anyone tell us more about the life of Maurice Guest Scott – whether that person is a direct descendant or comes from a family with memories of the Scotts passed down through the generations?

If you can help us find out about our mystery World War One hero, please click here to contact Unexamined Lives.

We would love to interview you!

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