World War Two group of five awarded to 1750283 SGT. John Ashton R.A.F. to include Distinguished Flying Medal (1750283 SGT. J.N.S. ASHTON. R.A.F.); Air Crew Europe Star (replacement by Spink & Son, Ltd); 1939-45 Star; Defence Medal and War Medal 1939-45, together with original box of issue, a pair of German naval binoculars and a model Halifax B11 made by his ground crew using parts of the aircraft before it was scrapped due to the damage sustained. John died in September 1944 with all his crew mates whilst mine laying off the Dutch coast. 1750283 Sergeant John Norman Stephen ASHTON, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 419 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron. This airman was flight engineer of an aircraft detailed to attack Munchen-Gladbach on August 30th, 1943. Soon after leaving the target the bomber was hit by fire from an enemy fighter. Some batteries were set alight, the flames sweeping back along the -fuselage. Displaying great promptitude, Sergeant Ashton sprayed the flames around the batteries with an extinguisher until they subsided. Having secured another extinguisher be went to mid position and raised the bomb bay inspection panels to investigate further. Flames immediately blazed up into his face. With his gloved hands he held and rotated the extinguisher in an opening in the floor so that the wind in the slip stream sprayed the fluid around the bomb bay and thus the flames were put out. By his promptitude and resource this gallant airman contributed materially to the safe return of the aircraft.