THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

ASHWORTH Arthur

NZ436006, Squadron Leader, Royal New Zealand Air Force, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 21 August 1942

Throughout the numerous sorties which Squadron Leader Ashworth has completed, many of which were in the Middle East, this officer has displayed utter fearlessness and a magnificent determination to reach and bomb his allotted target despite all odds.  His great skill and efficiency as a Captain of aircraft has been an excellent example and stimulus to the entire Squadron

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 15 July 1941, Supp 35219, p4063

One nigKt in June, 1941, this officer was the pilot of an aircraft which carried out an attack on the Scharnhorst at Brest. Although the target was obscured, Pilot Officer Ashworfh flew over trie area for a considerable, time finally dropping flares immediately north and south of the target, which enabled him to see and attac his objective.  He also aimed one bomb at an unidentified vessel of 10,000 tons which was observed to be entering the docks. This operation necessitated Pilot ^Officer Ash worth remaining over the area for one and a quarter hours, making eight surveying runs, at times at an extremely low altitude and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. Since February, 1941, this officer has participated in twenty operational missions. He has displayed outstanding skill, courage and infinite care in his efforts to bomb his objectives accurately.

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 2 November 1945, Supp 37337, p5395

Air Force Cross

Gazetted

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Distinguished Flying Cross and bar

Air Force Cross

1939-45 Star

Air Crew Europe Star

Africa Star

Pacific Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

Pathfinders Badge

NOTES

Born 3 May 1920, Gisborne, New Zealand