James Desmond Aspin

Pilot Officer Aspin was the son of Thomas Beardwood Aspin and Sarah Aspin of Bury, Lancashire. He was born 18th May 1922 at the family home in Bury. He was the youngest of three siblings and was known as Desmond, or Des, to his family and friends.  

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From a letter he wrote in May 1942 we know that he was stationed for flying training at the Air Corps Basic Flying School in Macon, Georgia, USA.

Desmond Aspin then joined 625 Squadron – which was based at RAF Kelstern – from 10th October 1943 to 4th April 1945. The squadron operated Avro Lancaster heavy bombers.

One night in October 1943, this airman piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Leipzig. On the outward flight his aircraft was attacked by 2 enemy fighters. Coolly and skilfully, Sergeant Aspin out-manoeuvred the attackers, enabling his gunner to shoot 1 of the enemy aircraft down and drive the other off. Although the rear turret became unserviceable, Sergeant Aspin flew on and executed a successful bombing attack. On the return journey, the bomber was hit by machine-gun fire from another fighter but Sergeant Aspin flew clear and was able to reach base. This airman displayed outstanding skill, courage and resolution.

His Wing Commander later confirmed that he was the first member of 625 Squadron to be awarded a decoration. This was just shortly after the squadron’s formation. The appointment to commissioned rank had been approved only a few days before he was reported missing. His medal was issued posthumously to his family on 30th April 1945.

Desmond-letter-from-Commanding-WC-625-Sqd-20.2.44

Desmond Aspin was reported missing as the result of air operations on the night of 19th – 20th February 1944. Lancaster aircraft ME588, in which he was flying as captain and pilot, set out to bomb Leipzig and was not heard from again. It was shot down by night fighters and crashed at Almke, Helmstedt, Germany. Burial of the seven members of the crew took place in the nearby village of Marienthal. Their remains were exhumed post-war and re-interred in a communal group of graves in the British Military Cemetery at Hotton, Belgium.

The crew consisted of: Pilot Officer JD Aspin DFM (pilot), Sgt GH Eastwood (wireless operator/air gunner), Sgt JC Landon (air bomber), Sgt WE Riley (navigator), Sgt PS Skebo RCAF (air gunner), Sgt RS Watson (air gunner) and Sgt PR Wheeldon (flight engineer).

To be completed