The ashes of one of New Zealand’s most decorated World War 2 pilots are to be returned permanently to Alexandra.
The remains of Royal New Zealand Air Force Wing Commander Arthur (Artie) Ashworth DSO, DFC and Bar, AFC and Bar will be interred in the Ashworth family grave in Alexandra next weekend.
The return of the ashes has been organised by W Cmdr Ashworth’s younger brother, Vince Ashworth (86), of Morrinsville, who has written a biography on W Cmdr Ashworth.
W Cmdr Ashworth was one of the first Alexandra people to enlist, in 1939.
As a "pathfinder", a pilot who led the way before a bombing operation marking the target with flares, W Cmdr Ashworth carried out 110 missions, at a time when the average survival rate was about 12 missions, Mr Ashworth said.
He served 29 years and received four decorations for bravery, including the Distinguished Service Order.
He continued his career with the armed forces in peace time and settled in England, dying on February 19, 1994, aged 73.
Recently, W Cmdr Ashworth’s widow died and the ashes had, as always intended, been brought to New Zealand to be interred at the family grave in Alexandra, Mr Ashworth said.
A ceremony conducted by the local RSA would take place next Saturday.
