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This data is related to World War 2
Pilot Officer

Denis Garth Ashton

Service number 76574
Military unit 266 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Address 'Wold's Edge', Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire.
Date of birth 18 Jan 1920
Date of death 12 Aug 1940 (20 years old)
Place of birth Nottinghamshire
Employment, education or hobbies

In 1939, he was an insurance clerk - 'RAF children's outware'.

Dennis Garth Ashton, from Keyworth, Nottinghamshire was born on 18th January 1920, the son of Richard Thomas Cox Ashton (1888-1956) and Evelyn May Ashton (nee Beresford 1886-1974).

He was educated at Mundella Grammar School in Nottingham.

After leaving he was employed by the Employers Liability Assurance Corporation Ltd in the Nottingham branch.

Family history

He was the son of Richard T C and Evelyn M Ashton and the brother of Richard B Ashton. They lived at 'Wold's Edge', Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire.

Military history

Ashton joined the RAFVR in June 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he was commissioned in December. Ashton was serving with 266 Squadron at Wittering at the start of the Battle of Britain. On 18th July Ashton, in Spitfire N3170, collided with a stationary tractor at base but was unhurt. He lost two months seniority for this incident, gazetted after his death.

In combat with enemy aircraft off Portsmouth on 12th August, Ashton was reported "Missing" when his aircraft, Spitfire P9333, was shot down in flames. His body was recovered in September by the minesweeper HMS Cedar and buried at sea.

Commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 7.

Extra information

Unknown

Photographs