F/O Harold Edward Aspey - 83 Squadron

[John French]

I am writing a brief biography of F/O Aspey and would like to establish details of his early RAF career (I have sufficient details about his last posting and death in 144 Squadron).

The Sept 1939 Register records that he was an LAC, service number 525556 doing observer training at St Athan, Glamorgan. Is it possible to establish where and when he enlisted from his service number? At that time would he have been promoted Sergeant on completing the observer course?

He served in 83 Squadron and according to the London Gazette was commissioned in Dec 1940 and promoted temporary Flying Officer in August 1941. Some sources suggest he may have been Mentioned in Dispatches also. Is the citation recorded anywhere? Any further details of his 83 Squadron service would be appreciated.

Regards

John

[PeteS]

I'd estimate a 1934-5 enlistment based on that service number and other examples with similar service numbers. Probably as an Aircrafthand.
cheers
PeteS

[HughAHalliday]

ASPEY, Harold Edward, F/L (49054, Royal Air Force) - No.14 Operational Training Unit - Mentioned in Despatches - awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1942. Public Record Office Air 2/8901 has citation (originally recommended for an AFC).

Flight Lieutenant Aspey has been employed as senior bombing leader at No.14 Operational Training Unit for over twelve months. His organising and lecturing ability in bombing procedure has been highly satisfactory and it is due to his unceasing efforts that a high standard of bombing has been achieved. Flight Lieutenant Aspey is always prepared to fly both day ad night in order that his pupils may obtain every advantage in their training.

[John French]

Thanks for your prompt response. Based on 144 Sqn. Operations Book (AIR27 982/1) F/O Aspey was transferred from 83 Sqn w.e.f. 10/1/1942. Was there a London Gazette listing for his promotion to Flight Lieutenant at 14 OTU (CWGC records his rank as F/O when he died in Feb 1942)? If he had 12 months at 14 OTU he may have served in 83 Squadron during 1940 (I am checking AIR 27/686, but nothing so far).

regards

John

[PeteS]

The LG 7 Oct 1941 (page 5792) records him as Pilot Officer (45094) granted war substantive rank of Flying Officer effective 11 Aug 1941, I dont see a later promotion Flight Lieut so suspect that this must have been a situation of Acting Flight Lieut which was very common.
cheers
PeteS
https://630squadron.wordpress.com/

[John French]

Thanks to all for information provided on F/O Aspey, from which I have established the following service postings:

Tbe to Oct 1939: observer training at St Athan

Nov 1939: promoted to Sergeant and posted to 185 Sdn. flying Hampdens (no operation missions recorded).

April 1940: 185 Sdn. redesignated 14 OTU. F/O Aspey commissioned Dec 1940, promoted F/O 11/8/41 and M.I.D. for role in bomb-aimer training.

Approx Dec 1941: Posted to 83 Sdn. and completed 4 operational missions.

15/1/1942: Posted to 144 Sdn. and died on his 3rd operational mission.

Regards

John