Rushden Airman Missing

News that their adopted son, Sergeant Alan Raymond Ashford, a rear gunner in the R.A.F., is missing from air operations in September has reached Mr. and Mrs. Onley, of 11, Westbourne-grove, Rushden. Prior to joining the Air Force a year ago, Sergt. Ashford, who is 19 years of age, was employed as a van driver for Tecnic Boot and Shoe Company, Rushden. A native of Rushden and formerly a member of the Home Guard, Sergt. Ashford lost his parents when only a young baby, and up to four years ago was under the care of his grandparents until his grandmother died and his grandfather moved from the town.

Evening Telegraph, Thursday, 10th December 1942, transcribed by John Collins

Rushden Air Gunner Killed In Action

Official news that their adopted son, Sergeant Alan Raymond Ashford, a rear gunner in the R.A.F., has been killed while on air operations in September, reached Mr. and Mrs. W. Onley, of 11, Westbourne-grove, Rushden, on Monday. The news came in a letter from Sergt. Ashford’s aunt in Bedford, who received notification of his death from the Air Ministry. Prior to joining the R.A.F. just over a year ago, Sergt. Ashford was employed as a van driver by the Tecnic Boot Company, Rushden. Nineteen years of age and a native of Rushden, he lost his parents when a baby, and up to four years ago was under the care of his grandparents until his grandmother died and his grandfather moved from the town. He was formerly a member of the Rushden Home Guard.