He was involved in a dogfight with Messerschmitt 109 planes

A Sunderland pilot died as a hero when he was shot down in his plane as he defended Malta from Luftwaffe attacks.

19 year old Harold Milburn in one of the four 'Sunderland' Spitfires. | se

placeholder image — 19 year old Harold Milburn in one of the four 'Sunderland' Spitfires. | se

Harold Ashton Milburn had not even reached his 20th birthday when he killed in the skies above the island as part of the famous 249 squadron.

He was flying one of the four Spitfires named ‘Sunderland’ which had been bought from funds raised by the people of the town.

In February 1942, the squadron was sent to help relieve the Siege of Malta but in May that year, he was involved in a dogfight with Messerschmitt 109 planes. His Spitfire was brought down and he was killed just days short of his 20th birthday.

An interview with Keith Gregson, Man of many talents. | se

Flight Sgt Milburn is buried in the Naval Cemetery on Malta.

His story has been highlighted by Sunderland historian Keith Gregson who is paying tribute to heroes from the city in the countdown to Remembrance Day.

Keith has extensively researched the sacrifice which was made by members of the Ashbrooke Sports Club in the two world wars, including by Harold Ashton Milburn. Harold was a scrum half on the Ashbrooke rugby team during peacetime.

Ashbrooke sports club in Sunderland. | Sunderland Echo

You can find out more on Keith’s blog at https://www.ashbrookesports.org/post/9-scrum-half-harold-ashton-milburn-a-young-brave-spitfire-pilot

Keith said: “ Harold Ashton Milburn was born in Sunderland in June 1922 and lost his life as a result of enemy action in May 1942. He was only 19.

“He played in the backs at the beginning of the war when many older men had already joined the forces. His father was a solicitor but the family, in general, was known for producing successful architects, responsible for building some of the most important theatres in the country.

“Harold went to Rock Lodge School ( where his headmaster was James Edgar Dobbie) and then to St Peter’s School, York where he captained the school’s 1st XV at 16. B

“By 1940 he had gained entrance to Oxford University and continued to play for SRFC’s 1st XV when possible. On the day of his 18th birthday, he joined the RAF Voluntary Reserve. He became a flight sergeant in 1941 and later in the year, (and still a teenager), he became a pilot officer attached to the famous 249 squadron.”

The Sunderland Echo will continue to pay tribute to heroes from the city throughout this week.