Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Ashton a chimney sweep, born 2nd October 1862 in Ullesthorpe, Leicestershire and his wife Edith Annie Ashton (nee Wright, married in the 1st quarter of 1889 in the Leicester district), born 10th November 1868 in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire. George was born in the 2nd quarter of 1898 in Enderby, Leicestershire, his siblings were Florence, born 1890 and William, born 1891, the latter two siblings were both born in Leicestershire, Edith, born 1893, Annie, born 1896 and Ada, born 1900, the latter three siblings were all born in Enderby, in March 1901 the family home was in John Street, Enderby. In April 1911 George was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home in John Street, Enderby, together with his father, a chimney sweep, his mother and siblings, Edith, a boot trade fitter, Annie, a boot trade finisher, Ada, a schoolgirl, Arthur, born 15th July 1903, Laura, born 15th September 1905 and Emily, born 1911, the latter three siblings were all born in Enderby. In 1939 George’s parents and sister Laura resided at 60, John Street, Enderby.
George attested into the Army on a Short Service engagement (For the Duration of the War, with the Colours and in the Army Reserve.) on the 2nd June 1916 in Glen Parva. He gave his address as John Street, Enderby, Leicestershire, his age as 18 years and 12 days and his trade or calling as quarryman. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his father, John Ashton of John Street, Enderby as his next of kin.
His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 3 inches in height, weighed 118 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 30 and 32 inches. He gave his religion as Church of England. After attestation on the 2/6/16 in Glen Parva he was transferred as Private, service number 36937 to the Army Reserve on the 3/6/16. Mobilized on the 23/1/17 in Leicester. Posted to the Leicestershire Regiment Depot on the 23/1/17. Transferred to the 1st Reserve Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and allotted the service number 44615 on the 31/1/17. Transferred to the Garrison Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, and allotted the service number 45939 on the 29/4/17. Posted to the 3rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment on the 19/6/17. Posted to the 6th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment on the 1/8/17. Embarked to join the British Expeditionary Force in France on the 1/8/17. Joined 37th Infantry Brigade Depot on the 2/8/17. Transferred to the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, and allotted the service number 25321 on the 15/8/17. Posted to the 2/5th Battalion Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment on the 15/8/17. Joined 2/5th Battalion Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, in the field on the -?-. Wounded in action, gunshot wound to right side and hand on the 28/3/18. Admitted to the 1st Australian General Hospital, Rouen on the 30/3/18. Died of wounds on the 24/4/18. A summary of his service records: Home Service, 2/6/16 – 31/7/17, 1 year 60 days. British Expeditionary Force, France, 1/8/17 – 24/4/18, 267 days. Total service 1 year 327 days. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. On the 4th September 1918 George’s father received a parcel containing the following personal effects, disc, letters, photos, note book, 2 religious books, 1 purse, scissors, 1 wallet, cards. The following information was provided by George’s father John Ashton on the 23rd June 1919, and was witnessed and signed by N. Young, Magistrate, Blaby Road, Enderby on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family) Father of soldier, John Ashton, age 55 of John Street, Enderby. Mother of soldier, Edith Ann Ashton, age 53 of John Street, Enderby. Full blood brother of soldier, Arthur Ashton age 15 of John Street, Enderby. Full blood sisters of soldier, Edith Ashton, age 25 of John Street, Enderby. Annie Ashton, age 23 of John Street, Enderby. Laura Ashton, age 13 of John Street, Enderby. Emily Ashton, age 9 of John Street, Enderby. George’s surviving service documents are in poor condition, and much of the finer detail relating to the period of time that he spent in the Army, is either illegible or missing, hence the sparse overall description of his military and personal family history.
The War Diary records: 25-30 Mar-18 – Ref. Map. MAROEUIL Combined Sheet. 1/20,000. See Special narrative attached.
NARRATIVE of Operations in which the 5th Bn. Duke of Wellington’s (W.R.) Regt. T.F. was engaged.
24th March to 30th March 1918.
Ref. Map. 57.D. N.E. 1/20,000.
25th MARCH.
1.30am. Battalion received orders to move with Brigade from ETRUN AREA at 3.05am to AYETTE. Accompanied by Transport the Battalion marched via WARLUS, BEAUMETZ, RANSART to AYETTE. Roads were all very congested with moving troops and guns and the march was a slow and tedious one. Before reaching AYETTE at 7.50am orders were passed down the column that the Division had to go on to BUCQUOY to concentrate there. On arrival at BUCQUOY about 2.00pm the Battalion marched up the ACHIET LE PETIT Road and had dinners on the common in front of BUCQUOY. The area was one mass of moving artillery and guns moving in a rearward direction. Ammunition, bombs etc. were issued to the men from Regimental Reserve and Packs were dumped. Orders were received for the Brigade to advance at about 4.30pm and take up a position in front of ACHIET LE PETIT to guard the railway in a South East direction. The 2/7th WEST RIDING REGIMENT was on the left and 5th Battalion WEST RIDING REGIMENT on the right with 2/4th WEST RIDING REGIMENT in Reserve.
Battalion advanced in artillery formation of platoons and encountered no opposition.
Dispositions of the Battalion were – “A” Company took up defensive position across the railway South East of ACHIET LE PETIT with 2/7th WEST RIDING REGIMENT on their left. “B” Company were on the right of “A” Company and “D” Company in Support of “B” Company. “D” Company provided one platoon to watch the MIRAUMONT VALLEY. No organised troops were on our right flank. Large numbers of men of 41st, 19th, 25th, 42nd and 51st Divisions straggled back through our lines retiring from the direction of LOUPARD WOOD and GREVILLERS followed by the enemy.
Before dusk parties of the enemy were clearly seen on skyline in front North of IRLES. The only artillery which remained to cover the Battalion was a battery of 3 guns who drew out about 11.00pm. After darkness the enemy approached our positions both from the front and from the MIRAUMONT VALLEY. In encounters three prisoners were captured by us and several killed. During the night orders were received to alter our dispositions and take up a position on the high ground overlooking the railway and the MIRAUMONT VALLEY on the crest South of ACHIET LE PETIT. These positions were taken up accordingly and a line of posts dug.
MARCH 26th.
At 3.30am orders were received for the Brigade to retire before dawn, and take up a position on the high ground between BUCQUOY and PUISEUX. The 2/7th WEST RIDING REGIMENT to be on the left with its left flank on BUCQUOY and the 5th WEST RIDING REGIMENT on the right with its right flank on PUISEUX. The dividing line between Battalions to be a point midway between PUISEUX and BUCQUOY. The 2.4th WEST RIDING REGIMENT remained in Support.
The retirement from ACHIET LE PETIT was a hurried one as orders were received so late and actually some of the Companies left in broad daylight. The Battalion was very closely followed by the enemy in large numbers, especially in the MIRAUMONT – PUISEUX Road where “B” Company encountered an enemy cyclist patrol 40 strong with light Machine Guns, but which was dispersed by our Lewis Gun fire. Covered by our retirement a large amount of ammunition was removed from ammunition dump on the road leading from BUCQUOY to the ACHIET LE PETIT – PUISEUX Road. Remainder of this ammunition was blown up as we retired. The enemy clearly saw our retirement and subjected us to Machine Gun fire from Ridge South of ACHIET LE PETIT as soon as we moved. A few casualties were caused. During the retirement a Lewis Gun team of “B” Company and a few men got cut off and were probably taken prisoner by troops of the enemy moving up the MIRAUMONT VALLEY.
The Battalion formed a defensive line 300 yards East of the BUCQUOY – PUISEUX Road with Lewis Guns pushed forward. Three Companies were put in the line (“A,” “B,” “C” right to left) with “D” Company in Support along the road. Each Company had three platoons in the line with 1 platoon in Company Reserve. Patrols were sent into PUISEUX. At this stage (about 8.30am) a section of 4 Machine Guns reported and were placed – 2 immediately North of PUISEUX to cover the MIRAUMONT – PUISEUX VALLEY and 2 to cover the approaches from direction of ACHIET LE PETIT, where they at once came into action, the enemy being close up. Shortly afterwards the enemy were reported to be in PUISEUX and on the high ground South of PUSIEUX. “A” Company was then withdrawn and placed on the right flank facing southwards towards PUSIEUX to protect this flank. The enemy pressed vigorously but were held back. The 9th DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY were in support in trenches about 300 yards West of PUSIEUX – BUCQUOY Road and liaison was established.
At about 10.00am the enemy were seen in large numbers attempting to encircle our right flank. In conjunction with the 9th DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY the right flank was then extended Company by Company along the high ground North of the PUSIEUX – GOMMECOURT Road and the enemy’s attempt to outflank us was frustrated. “D” Company had been brought up from Reserve and were attached to the DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY on the right flank. Having secured the right flank the left Companies were withdrawn to the line of the trenches West of BUCQUOY – PUSIEUX Road lately occupied by the DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. During this withdrawal the enemy pressed very hotly and the movement was carried out with considerable difficulty. The Headquarters Company being used to provide covering fire for alternative withdrawals.
The 2/4th DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S REGIMENT were in position in rear of this Battalion. It was then reported that enemy cavalry was operating on the right flank and it therefore became necessary to withdraw still further to the right flank which necessitated a frontal withdrawal. This brought the Battalion on to the line occupied by the 2/4th DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S REGIMENT and the withdrawal was carried out by both units. Up to this time the left flank of the Battalion had been exposed as we were not in touch with 2/7th DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S REGIMENT. This withdrawal was carried out orderly, the Companies giving mutual support and the line was established running from South East corner of ROSSIGNOL WOOD toward the South East corner of BUCQUOY. The 2/4th DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S REGIMENT being on our left. Efforts were made to gain touch with 2/7th WEST RIDING REGIMENT on our left but without success. Our right flank was completely exposed. It was not until next day that touch was obtained with 2/7th DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S REGIMENT.
The following line was then occupied and consolidated – “D” Company K.12.d.70.95 along trench to L.7.c.5.1 where block was established, then down communication trench from L.7.c.1.7 to L.7.a.5.0. “B” Company was in support to “D” Company and held trench from K.12.b.9.5 to L.7.a.5.0. “A” Company from this point along trench to L.7.c.95.80. Then 1 Company of 9th DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY continued along this trench to L.7.d.3.8. “C” Company held a line of shell hole positions from this point running North East to about L.7.b.7.1 where it joined up to the 2/4th DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S REGIMENT. Battalion Headquarters was established at L.7.b.2.7 in an old gun pit.
Eleven tanks were in support about L.7.b.3.7 and came under orders of Officer Commanding Battalion.
During the afternoon numbers of the enemy were seen on ridges extending from FORK WOOD and L.7.c and d. They were also seen to be occupying ROSSIGNOL WOOD. They endeavoured to advance toward our positions in small bodies but were easily driven off by Lewis Gun and Rifle fire, considerable casualties being inflicted. During this time the Battalion was subjected to much sniping both from Machine Gun and rifle fire but the position of our line did not change. About 7.00pm the enemy made a demonstration and owing to some misunderstanding a general withdrawal of this Battalion, the 9th DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY and 2/4th DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S REGIMENT took place. The Tanks were sent forward and the men rallied and advanced to their original positions and the enemy fled.
During the night patrol encounters took place and prisoners were taken while endeavouring to reach our position.
MARCH 27th.
During the morning enemy aerial activity was very marked and large numbers of the enemy were observed filling trenches South West of FORK WOOD and in L.7.d. At 12.30pm our right Company was attacked both across the open and along the trenches. The attack in the open was easily driven off by Lewis Gun fire and Rifle fire. The bombing attack up the trenches was very persistent and was difficult to hold back owing to our shortage of bombs. A bombing block was established at L.7.c.2.5 and the left platoon of the right Company withdrawn. Bombing fighting continued at this point and also on the flank adjoining ROSSIGNOL WOOD from which position the enemy kept up continued sniping fire. During the afternoon and evening several enemy demonstrations were made in L.7.c and d but by means of Lewis Gun fire and Artillery fire no further attack developed.
About 7.00pm the Battalion on our right was seen to be bombed out of their position by the enemy and our right flank again became completely exposed. “B” Company and a platoon of 9th DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY were then turned into a defensive flank and the Battalions position made secure. During the night patrols were sent out over the whole Battalion front. Enemy patrols were encountered and driven off and 2 prisoners taken. Supplies of ammunition were got up to the Companies and further consolidation carried out.
MARCH 28th.
Battalion Headquarters was moved to L.1.c.5.2 in an old dug-out shaft. At 9.25am the enemy put down a very heavy barrage on our front line system and the trenches and ridges in rear. The enemy was then seen to be massing between FORK WOOD and the Ridge South West of the wood. At 10.30am a message was received that the enemy was attacking along the whole Battalion front, the barrage continuing to fall on the trenches around Battalion Headquarters. Our Artillery put down a counter barrage in L.7.c and d and a stiff fight ensued and in no case did the enemy succeed in getting to our line. Time after time the enemy massed to make fresh attacks but was decimated by our accurate rifle and Lewis Gun fire at each attempt. During the rest of the day the enemy were seen crawling back towards FORK WOOD. During these attacks several prisoners were taken, the attacking troops proving to be 2nd Reserve Guards. In conjunction with the attack in the open a very strong enemy bombing attack took place East of ROSSIGNOL WOOD and No.13 platoon of “D” Company became isolated at about K.12.d.95.80. At 1.05pm this platoon was reported to be still holding out. Several attempts were made to bomb to their rescue but when they were finally reached it was found that the platoon under 2nd Lieutenant A. CAWTHRA had been overwhelmed and none were left alive. At 3.15pm the enemy were reported to be again massing in L.7.d and L.8.c. Artillery action with very satisfactory results was at once taken and no attack developed. It was then reported from the 2/4th YORK & LANCASTER REGIMENT that ROSSIGNOL WOOD was in enemy occupation so “D” Company was withdrawn into line with “B” and “A” Companies a block being established at L.7.c.40.95. Bomb fighting continued during the afternoon on the right of “B” Company and the riflemen were concentrated against enemy snipers in ROSSIGNOL WOOD with satisfactory results. During the night instructions were received for the right Company to be prepared to attack along the East side of ROSSIGNOL WOOD in conjunction with an attack of the 8th WEST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT but as this Battalion did not proceed beyond our line no attack was made by “B” Company.
MARCH 29th.
Enemy got up a considerable amount of artillery and trench mortars were established in ROSSIGNOL WOOD and our line was subjected to a heavy bombardment some casualties being sustained. During the day enemy rifle, Machine Gun and Sniping was particularly active. This was replied to by our rifle and Lewis Gun fire and Stokes Mortars.
At 7.30pm in the evening a further demonstration was made in L.7.c and d but by means of Lewis Gun and rifle fire and good artillery work the enemy concentration was broken up.
Patrols were sent out as usual during the night and the enemy was quiet.
MARCH 30th.
The day passed quietly except for increased shelling and sniping. Enemy field guns appeared to enfilade our positions from direction West of ROSSIGNOL WOOD causing us serious casualties. At night the Battalion was relieved by 8th WEST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT and 2/5th WEST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT and went into support in trenches in E.30.b.
During the operations 24th March to 30th March the Battalion sustained the following casualties:-
Officers, killed 2, wounded 6 missing 1.
Other ranks, killed 30, wounded 126 missing 50.
(Signed) J. WALKER, Lieutenant Colonel.
Commanding 5th Duke of Wellington’s (W.R.) Regt. T.F.
3.4.18.
The War Diary records: 31 Mar-18 –
CASUALTIES, etc.
Lieutenant Colonel J. WALKER, wounded at duty 26.3.18.
Major F. BROOK, wounded at duty 28.3.18.
2nd Lieutenant F. CHAPMAN, wounded at duty 29.3.18.
2nd Lieutenant J. SUGDEN, killed 29.3.18.
2nd Lieutenant P. MOSLEY, killed 28.3.18.
2nd Lieutenant A. CAWTHRA, missing 29.3.18.
1st Lieutenant J. W. SHERRICK (U.S.M.C.) wounded 28.3.18.
Captain G. L. TINKLER, wounded 29.3.18.
Captain T. GOODALL, DSO, MC, wounded 29.3.18.
2nd Lieutenant M. H. WEIGHILL, wounded 28.3.18.
Lieutenant B. MOLLETT, MC, wounded 28.3.18.
Captain H. O. BROWNING, MC, wounded 27.3.18.
OTHER RANKS.
Missing 56.
Killed 31.
Wounded 121.
Died of wounds 1.
Lieutenant H. S. JACKSON, DSO – 6 months light duty in England 15.3.18.
Lieutenant G. DYSON – Medical Board whilst on leave to England 27.2.18.
2nd Lieutenant R. DENHAM – Transferred to Machine Gun Corps 18.3.18.
DRAFTS.
27.2.18. 36 other ranks.
4.3.18. 29 other ranks.
7.3.18. 4 other ranks.
10.3.18. 1 other rank.
24.3.18. 13 other ranks.
27.3.18. 26 other ranks.
PROMOTIONS RELINQUISHMENTS, etc.
Lieutenant (Acting Lieutenant Colonel) F. BROOK relinquishes the acting rank of Lieutenant Colonel on ceasing to command Battalion 14.2.18, when he reverts to acting rank of Major whilst employed as Major on Headquarters.
2nd Lieutenant W. YATES to be Lieutenant 5.2.18.
2nd Lieutenant (Acting Captain) C. G. H. ELLIS to be Lieutenant 29.1.18.
2nd Lieutenant C. S. FLOYD to be Lieutenant 18.1.18.
Captain T. GOODALL, DSO, MC, relinquishes the acting rank of Major on ceasing to be employed as second in command dated 13.2.18.
Lieutenant H. S. JACKSON to be acting Captain (additional) dated 16.2.18.
Lieutenant’s A. R. HAIGH, W. YATES, F. H. WHITE, G. DYSON. Relinquish the acting rank of Captain on ceasing to command companies, dated 1.2.18.
2nd Lieutenant B. MOLLETT, MC, relinquishes the acting rank of Captain (additional) dated 1.2.18. Authority A. G. List No. 176 dated 24.2.18.
2nd Lieutenant B. MOLLETT, MC, to be Lieutenant dated 5.2.18. Authority London Gazette dated 22.2.18.