| Birth: | Mar. 5, 1922 | | Death: | Aug. 13, 1943 | 
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. A native of Leeds, Yorkshire, he was a student at the Leeds School of Architecture when World war II began. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force, and spent part of his training in the United States Texas. On returning to England, he was attached to the 218 "Gold Coast" Squadron. He had amassed ninety operational flying hours and 19 sorties, one of which had garnered him a Distinguished Flying Medal, when he performed the deeds for which he was awarded the VC. His citation reads "On the night of 12th August, 1943, Flight-Sergeant Aaron was captain and pilot of a bomber detailed to attack Turin. When approaching its target, the aircraft was hit by fire from an enemy fighter, which caused it to become unstable and difficult to control. Flight-Sergeant Aaron was wounded in the face and lung, and his right arm was rendered useless. After a rest, he made determined efforts to take control again -- persuaded to desist, he wrote instructions with his left hand, and guided the bomb-aimer in the hazardous task of landing the damaged aircraft at Bone [Algeria] in North Africa. Nine hours after landing, he died of exhaustion. In appalling conditions he showed the greatest qualities of courage, determination and leadership, and though wounded and dying, he set an example of devotion to duty which has seldom been equalled and never surpassed." A scholarship to the Leeds School of Architecture was established in Aaron's memory, and in 2001 a statue of him was erected on the Eastgate Roundabout in Leeds. His parents donated his VC medal to the Leeds City Museum. (bio by: Paul F. Wilson)
Search Amazon for Arthur Aaron | | | Burial:
Bone Military Cemetery
Annaba, Algeria
Plot: II.B.3. |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Feb 22, 2005
Find A Grave Memorial# 10514557 |
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Added by:
Paul F. Wilson
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