Biography:
Ronald Stuart Asher was born 15 February 1898, the only son of Augustus Gordon Grant Asher and Emma Berry Asher of Bedford Park, Edinburgh.
He came to Winchester College from Horris Hill in September 1911 and was in F House, Hawkins'. He was Head of his House and a Commoner Prefect in his last year, 1916, and showed a great capacity for mathematics and physics. He contributed papers to Natural History Society and was a skilful carpenter.
On leaving school, Ronald joined the Royal Flying Corps and served in France through the spring and early summer of 1917. He was then recalled to England to take part in the defence of London against hostile aircraft, but returned to France shortly afterwards.
He joined 46 Squadron, flying Sopwith Pup single-seat fighters. On 21 September 1917 four pilots of 46 Squadron were on patrol over the lines near Douai. Around 9.30 a.m. they were directed towards a German two-seater aircraft over Oppy. Accompanied by Bristol Fighters they dived to the attack and chased it towards Douai. Asher’s aircraft (Pup 7321) was seen fighting an enemy aircraft at low level and was then seen to come down in Jigsaw Wood, behind enemy lines. At first it seemed that he had landed safely and he was posted as “missing”. However, in 1917, a list published in a German newspaper made it clear that he had been killed, aged 19, probably shot down by the fighter which he had been engaging. He is buried in grave XXIV.AA.6 of the Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery in Souchez.