The heartfelt sympathy of the whole community is extended to Mrs E. Ashworth, she having received word that her son Corran, is reported missing and believed killed in action. Educated at the local school, Corran was a clever and popular boy. He was a prominent member of the Boy Scouts, and took part in all sporting activities, such as football and swimming. On leaving school he joined the staff of the local Post Office and as a result of continued diligence he passed his Matriculation and received promotion to the Head Office of the Department in Wellington. While stationed there he enlisted in the R.A.F. He is a brother of Squadron Leader Arthur Ashworth D.S.O., D.F.C., who has made his name famous, and we are sure that Corran would also play his part in a worthy manner. Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 9/8/1944.
Corran Ashworth enlisted in January, 1941, and trained in New Zealand and Britain. As part of 253 Squadron flying Hawker Hurricane fighters he took part in the attack on Dieppe, performing ground attack missions.
In November, 1942, 253 Squadron was transferred to Algeria to conduct patrols, sea sweeps and convoy escorts. On February 15 Corran Ashworth reported shooting down a Ju-88 German bomber.
He was transferred to 14 Squadron flying early Mustang fighters then to 32 Squadron flying Hurricanes and Spitfires, reporting the shooting down of a Me-109G fighter. He returned to Britain and spent some time on a refresher course before his next assignment.
On D Day he served with 65 Squadron and on June 11 moved with the Squadron to a newly-captured airstrip on liberated French soil. They flew as part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, performing ground support missions for Allied troops, flying the Mustang III. He shot down a Me-109 on June 12.
On August 3rd he was on a dive-bombing mission with the Squadron. As his dive began his plane was seen to explode and its remains dropped into a river below. He was listed as "missing, believed killed," then later "presumed dead."
His remains have not been found.
I am indebted to the RNZAF Biographies for the above information.
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