The Air Crew Europe Star and Memorial Cross group issued to the next of kin of Eric Lumley Durham Ashwin, who was killed in action over Germany in 1942 whilst serving with 75 (NZ) Squadron, RAF.

 

Eric Ashwin was born at Whangarei on the 9th June, 1920, and received his secondary education at the Mt. Albert Grammar School, Auckland. He played rugby and tennis and was interested in boxing. Prior to his enlistment he was employed in farming pursuits at Waiheke Island.

Ashwin applied for enlistment as an air gunner in January, 1940, but his application was deferred on medical grounds. He entered camp in January, 1941, reporting at the Ground Training School, Levin. Late the following month, he embarked on the Awatea for Canada to continue his training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

 

In Canada Sgt. Ashwin trained at No. 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg, Manitoba and No. 6 Bombing & Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario. He was awarded his Wireless Operator Air Gunner's badge and promoted to Sergeant on the 1st September, 1941. A few days later he embarked for the United Kingdom, arriving at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth, on the 28th September.

 

A fortnight later Sgt. Ashwin proceeded to No. 2 Signals School, Yatesbury, Wiltshire. He commenced operational training on Wellington aircraft at No. 11 Operational Training Unit, Bassingbourn, Hertfordshire, late in January, 1942. On the completion of the course in July he was posted to No. 75 (NZ) Squadron, Feltwell, Norfolk. From this base, as a bomb aimer and front gunner on Wellington aircraft, he took part in eight raids on targets in Germany, including Kassel, Saarbrucken, Frankfurt and Bremen.

 

In November, 1942, the Squadron proceeded to Oakington, Cambridgeshire for a conversion course to Stirling aircraft. On the completion of the course in December, Sgt. Ashwin proceeded with the Squadron to Newmarket, Suffolk, and a short time later the Squadron moved to Mildenhall.

 

On the night of 17th December 1942 Ashwin was a member of the crew of Stirling Mk 1 Code AA-G on a mission to Fallersleben, Wolfsburg, Germany. On route to the target the aircraft was shot down by a Do 217 nightfighter flown by Hauptman Walter Milius operating out of Vechta airfield in Lower Saxony. All the crew including Eric Ashwin were killed. They are all buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

 

The Memorial Cross is correctly impressed NZ41563 SJT. E.L.D. ASHWIN and the medals are unnamed as issued.