- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Sergeant
- Unit:
- No. 166 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- March 30th, 1943
Citation:
"One night in February, 1943, Flight Sergeant Ashplant, after successfully completing an operational, sortie on Lorient, was returning to base when, while over this country, his aircraft came into collision with a Halifax bomber. As a result his aircraft was severely damaged. Both engines were torn from their bearers, the front turret and the underside of the nose were completely ripped parachute were carried away and both propellers were missing. The aircraft went out of control into a spin. Regaining control, however, Flight Sergeant Ashplant gave his parachute to the bomb aimer and
ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft. By a fine display of airmanship and determination .he managed to make a crash-landing with the remains of his bomber, without personal injury. Flight Sergeant Ashplant, in an appalling situation, displayed the utmost courage and devotion to duty and acted in accordance with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force."