george ashplant c. g.m.

[izzy]

can anyone please supply me with information on pilot officer george ashplant c.g.m. who died on 25/07/1943 age 21 while serving with 166 sqdn he was killed on the first night of the infamous hamburg firestorm raids. the reason that im after information is that he is named on my local war memorial.

[von Poop]

Citation here:
MM Citations

1382143 Flight Sergeant George ASHPLANT, No. 166 Squadron.

One night in February, 1943, Flight Sergeant Ashplant, after successfully completing an operational, sortie on Lorient, was returning to base when, while over this country, his aircraft came -into collision with a Halifax bomber. As a result his aircraft was severely damaged. Both engines were torn from their bearers, the front turret and the underside of 'the nose were completely ripped parachute were carried away and both propellers were missing. The aircraft went out of control into a spin. Regaining control, however, Flight Sergeant Ashplant gave his parachute to the bomb aimer and ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft. By a fine display of airmanship and determination .he managed to make a crash-landing with the remains of his bomber, without personal injury. Flight Sergeant Ashplant, in an appalling situation, displayed the utmost courage and devotion to duty and acted in accordance with the highest traditions of the Royal Air .Force.
(London Gazette - 30 March 1943)

[izzy]

many thank's for the information

[Peter Clare]

24-25 July 143

166 Squadron.
Wellington X HZ314 AS-P
Op; Hamburg.

Crew.
W/O. G. Ashplant CGM +
F/S. H J A. Reid +
Sgt. C A. Land +
Sgt. A G. Wells +
F/S. A E. Jeffery +

Took off Kirmington at 2238 hrs. Hit by flak and crashed at Buchholz, where all were buried on 26 July. Their remains have since been exhumed and taken to Hamburg Cemetery, Ohlsdorf. Their average age was 23. W/O. Ashplant gained his CGM earlier in the year following a mid-air collision with a 158 Squadron Halifax and subsequent forced landing. (See below)


13-14 February 1943.

158 Squadron.
Halifax II W1182 NP-L
Op; Lorient.

Crew.
F/L. P E. Ayscough +
Sgt. E H J. Pounds +
Sgt. K J. Reeder +
Sgt. E W. King +
F/S. K W. Scott +
Sgt. C W. Steedman +
P/O. J H. Chapman +

Took off Rufforth at 1840 hrs. Home bound collided in the air over Langport, Somerset, with a Wellington from 166 Squadron. The Halifax fell inverted, into flood water roughly a mile north of the town centre.


166 Squadron.
Wellington III BK460 AS-V.
Op: Lorient.

Crew.
F/S. G. Ashplant.
Sgt. H J. Reid.
Sgt. W B H. Smalley +
Sgt. E J. Cutler.
Sgt. A. Jeffery.

Took off Kirmington at 1749 hrs. Lost in circumstances previously described. Three crew members baled out. Sgt. Smalley being killed when the two aircraft collided, after which F/S. Ashplant crash landed at 2249 hrs at Westover Farm, Kingsbury Episcopi some 4 miles south of Langport, Somerset. For his outstanding airmanship, F/S. Ashplant was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. He was destined to lose his life during the Battle of Hamburg.

Bomber Command Losses Vol.4 - W R Chorley.

[izzy]

von poop and peter many thank's for your replies i was in touch with george's sister-in-law and she told me that his medals were stolen some years ago she never knew george she married his brother after the war ended he is commemorated on 3 war memorials to my knowledge st francis xaviers school woolton st nicholas's halewood and st charle's aigburth[all liverpool]