Derek Edward Aust was born in 1922, the elder child of Frederick William Aust (1893-1980) and Ellen Christina Aust née Harrison (1901-1980). His birth was registered in the 4th quarter of 1922 in the Romsey registration district, Hampshire. His younger brother was Michael Richard Aust (1929-2010) whose birth was registered in the Kensington registration district, London.
He was living with his parents at 26 Halden Road, West Hill, Wandsworth, London and was a despatch rider with the Auxiliary Fire Service.
He died, aged 18 years, on 16 November 1940 when a high explosive bomb fell on the old Wandsworth Fire Station, 33-45 West Hill, Wandsworth and his body was buried in Streatham Cemetery, Garratt Lane, London SW17 0LT, on 22 November 1940.
He is shown as 'Despatch Rider Derek Edward Aust' and as 'Despatch Rider D. Aust' on the two memorials at Wandsworth Fire Station, West Hill, London, SW18. He is also commemorated in the Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour 1939-1945 located just outside St George's Chapel at the west end of Westminster Abbey, on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's website and on the National Firefighters Memorial at Sermon Lane, London, EC4.
Credit for this entry to: Andrew Behan.
