David Mott was born in Cuckfield on 6 December 1918, the son of Roger John Kynaston and Helen Genevra Mott (née Cumberlege). He was educated at the Dragon School, Oxford. He joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet on 1 May 1935 and was promoted to Midshipman on 1 January 1936 and appointed to the cruiser HMS APOLLO on the same date. Promotion to Sub Lieutenant followed on 16 November 1938 and David Mott was appointed to HMS DOLPHIN for the submarine course on 24 April 1939.

An appointment to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS MEDWAY followed on 4 August 1939, and he was promoted to Lieutenant on 16 October 1939. He was appointed to HMS RORQUAL as the Navigator on 15 January 1940. David Mott was awarded the DSC – see London Gazette dated 29 July 1941 ‘for five mine laying patrols and the sinking of an armed tug’ whilst serving in RORQUAL. On 22 January 1941 he was appointed to HMS TAKU as the First Lieutenant.

On 22 July 1942 he was appointed to DOLPHIN for the Commanding Officers Qualifying Course, and, on successful completion, he was appointed to HMS USURPER in command on 15 November 1942. David Mott died on 3 October 1943 when USURPER was lost with all hands, after being depth charged by the German UJ-2208.

David Mott was the husband of Sheila Margaret Mott (née Prentice) of Ringwood, Hampshire, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial on Panel 72 Column 3.