ASPDEN, Jack

Rank: 
Lance Bombardier (later Major)
Unit / Base: 
9 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Artillery
Loyal Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
318595 and 370978
P.O.W. number: 
18745
Born: 
Wednesday, June 2, 1920
Birthplace: 
Preston, Lancashire
Jack Aspden 9 Commando
Lance Bombardier Jack Aspden, aged 21 and from Preston, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][2][2a][5].
He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 267 which was hit by enemy fire and sank. Eight of the eleven Commandos, and all bar five of the RN crew,on board were killed [1][1a].
  • September 1938 enlisted, former trade Clerk [2a].
  • April - June 1942 Marlag und Milad Nord POW Camp [2a].
  • June 1942 to May 1945 Stalag 344. Working camp at Sternberg (Sawmill)  [2a].
  • 21 September 1946 commissioned Second Lieutenant with the Loyal Regiment [3].
  • 1 January 1964 (Temporary Major on loan to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [4].
  • Jack was in the Duke of Lancaster's Own Imperial Yeomanry before the war and then Royal Artillery before joining the Commandos [5].
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/42 and WO417/43.
[1a] St. Nazaire Society / James Dorrian..
[2] Prisoners of War 1715-1945 /National Archives file WO392/1.
[2a] WW11 Liberated POW Questionnaires 1945-6 / National Archives file WO344 Directorate of Mil. Int.
[2a] German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/11/349 (Front Stalag 133).
[3] London Gazette 37773, page 5355.
[4] London Gazette 43203, page 43.
[5] Report in the Lancashire Evening Post 02 April 1942 (below).
[Note] Commando Association newsletter entries refer to him also serving in No. 4 Commando at some stage. 

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