RAF SPECIAL DUTIES Ashton, Leonard

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Ashton
  • FORENAME
Leonard
  • UNIT
138 Squadron (RAF)
  • RANK
Flying Officer
  • NUMBER
53199
  • AWARD
Distinguished Flying Cross
  • PLACE
1944
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
Leonard Ashton

This was my father and he was a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and was with 138 Squadron and had the misfortune of crash landing on take off on the 2nd June 1944. All seven crew members escaped albeit with injuries. The Pilot Flt Lt H Stiles was unhurt and the others had fractures and a dislocated shoulder. My father sustained a broken ankle for which he was in hospital in Ely until my birth on 7th September 1944. My dad being my dad got in his car on crutches and drove all the way from Ely to Bedford to see me as I was onl;y a few hours old! The plane was a Halifax LL289 NF-E on Operation TYBOLT 29 Belgium. Also on board P/OF Bryant P/O W P Casey P/O W H Marshall and Sgt C E Terrall and P/O G Sutherland
 
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