Dedicated to my great-uncle who fought in WWII.

Arthur 'Artie' Ashworth was born in Gisborne on May 3 1920, seventh child and third son of Arthur John and Edna Mary Ashworth. During the pre-war years he was employed as a Draughtsman at the Public Works Department Aerodrome Services. He became the first man in Alexandra to enter the air force at the beginning of World War II when he enlisted with the RNZAF in September 1939 and transferred to the RAF in June 1940.

His ground training was carried out at Rongatai, New Zealand, in September to October 1939, then Elementary Flight Training School (EFTS) at Tairei until December. He finished his training with Initial Flying Training School (IFTS) and EFTS at Wigram in March 1940.

Pilot Officer Ashworth began his career with the 75th Squadron in 1941 and flew many sorties in the Middle East before taking a prominent part in the formation of the Pathfinder Force (PFF) and the evolution of its tactics.

He took part with distinction in the bombing of the Scharnhorst at Brest Harbour in 1941 and was awarded the DFC. Later, he brought home alone a Wellington Bomber after his crew had bailed out when it was seen that the aircraft was flaming like a torch. His parachute was missing or he himself would have bailed out, and it was only because the fire miraculously died out that he was able to land safely. At that time he had taken part in nearly 70 raids over enemy territory.

One of Artie Ashworth's decorations came after an incident on a raid on Hamburg when, with his Wellington on fire, he ordered his crew to bail out. The last crew member came to him saying "Sir, I can't find a spare parachute!"

"Take mine," said Artie, struggling to the hold the Wellington steady for him to jump, "There's bound to be another one about. "Get the hell out!"

When he was ready to bale out himself there was none! So he climbed back into the pilot's seat and put the Wellington into a steep dive, and, miraculously, the fire died! Now, minus his crew, he took himself off to England, and safely there and as yet unscathed called up Feltwell Control for permission to land.

When he taxied into his parking place, he was asked: "Where the hell's your crew?"

"Oh, the crew!" says Artie, "Well, as a matter of fact, they've gone off on long leave!"

He was put 'on charge' and reduced in rank - for a short period - for the chute incident, because as captain he had not made sure sufficient parachutes were aboard. But he was also awarded the DFC!

Excerpt from Lorie Lucas' book 'Popey's War' - page 152

He was one of only a few pilots during WWII that flew both fighters and bombers. He participated in the amazing total of 110 operational sorties, at a time when the average was only 10, and in doing so completed 498 operational hours.

He finished his war service with the 75th Squadron, attended the Empire Test Pilots School during 1948 and spent 3 years with the Instrument and Photographic Flight at the RAF in Farnborough. Arthur spent time as a Staff Officer with Number 1 Bomber Group before taking over command of the 139th Squadron (the Jamaican) in July 1953. It was as commanding officer of that squadron, purchased by money raised in Jamaica, that he went with 129 officers and men on a goodwill tour of the West Indies in October of 1955. The Jamaican Squadron, flying the 600mph Canberra jets, was stationed at Helmswell near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire. He married the widow of a friend in 1951.

He was awarded a Bar to his AFC in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 1956. On July 1 he was promoted to Wing Commander and retired due to ill health the same year.

Wing Commander Ashworth suffered recurrent malarial attacks from 1942 and in 1994 was hospitalised in Bournemouth, England, where he was living with his wife. He died on February 19.

Photo by Artie Ashworth

Left to right: Sgt Ted McSherry (N), P/O Artie Ashworth,
P/O Wilson (2ndP) and Sgt Broad