researching an ancestor George Ashton

[jox]

I am shortly to visit the Somme for the first time and have been researching for ancestors surname 'Ashton'. I have 4 Ashtons (one my grandfather) who served in WW1. His youngest brother George service number 15721 I see enlisted with the Manchesters on 03.12.1914 and was discharged on 05.12.1914 and I have that documentation but I have other information (not documents) that say he died on the Somme 1st or 2nd July 1916 and that he was with the 16th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers and that his service number was 12536. I'm told he enlisted in Eccles. I guess it's possible that for whatever reason he was turned down the first time he tried to enlist elsewhere, unless this is not my relative. My George lived at 192 Great Clowes St, Manchester and his father was John and mother Sarah. If possible I would like confirmation if this is the same person and a bit more about the battalion. This is all new to me but I would be most grateful with any snippets of help. I only have a black and white printed photograph of him which a very distant relative who I don't know has printed. It would not be of good quality but I could try and scan the picture.

Many thanks,

jox

[prospectroad]

Hi Jox, this is from the CWGC:

ASHTON, GEORGE

Rank:Private
Service No: 12536
Date of Death: 02/07/1916
Regiment/Service: 16th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers
Panel Reference: Pier and Face 3 C and 3 D.
Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

The following is an extract from a book that we are working on about the 2nd Salford Pals:

ASHTON, George. Pte 12536. B Company.
Age 20. Born and enlisted Salford. Resided Higher Broughton. Youngest son of Mr and Mrs John Ashton, of 192 Great Clowes Street, Broughton. Educated at Grecian Street School and Salford Secondary School. He was connected to St Allan’s Church, Cheetham, and for some time had been a chorister there. He enlisted on December 6th, 1914. His parents first received notification from the Eccles Comforts Committee; this was followed by official notification. George had two brothers serving, Valentine Ashton, was then bombardier 49534 in the RGA, and his other brother, Thomas, was also serving in the same RGA battery. Valentine was later commissioned 2nd Lt. A letter, dated July 20th 1916, was also received from Captain Tweed which read:

‘I regret to have to inform you that your son (12536), Private G. Ashton was killed, with others, by a shell which burst in a communication trench as we were moving up to the point of assembly on the night of the attack. It would be about 2.30 a.m. (new time) on July 1. It may be some measure of consolation in your great loss to know that his death was instantaneous and that he suffered no pain. He was a good soldier and I feel certain that when time has lessened your grief you and yours will be proud to recollect that he gallantly gave his own life that England might live.’ (Information from the Salford City Reporter 29/07/16 & Manchester Evening News 20/07/16).

NOTES:

1) 'B' Company of the 16th LFs was known as the Eccles Company (2nd Salford Pals) which fits with your comment about George enlisting at Eccles. The photo might help.

2) On the 14th July 1916 the Eccles & Patricroft Journal provided a casualty list from the early Somme battles. The list includes Private 12536 G. Ashton of 129 Great Clowes Street, Higher Broughton.

3) There is confusion over the date of death. Captain Tweed's account states 1st July and the CWGC states 2nd. I would tend to think that Captain Tweed's account is the more accurate of the two.

4) George went to France on 23rd November 1915 (he would have been entitled to the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal).

5) The 16th LFs were part of 96th Brigade, 32nd Division. They assaulted the fortified village of Thiepval on 1st July 1916.

6) The 16th LFs suffered 223 casualties on 1st & 2nd July 1916. 'B' Company suffered the most out of the four companies of the 16th LFs ('B'Company - total casualties 91; 3 officers wounded; 20 other ranks (OR) killed, 47 OR wounded; 2 OR died of wounds; 1 OR shellshock, 18 missing)

Hope this helps
Pete

[jox]

Pete,

Thank you so much for this extra information and your time finding this out for me. It is very much appreciated. I shall visit Theipval when in the area and pass on to my siblings what you have researched.

With regards,

Jox

[shred]

Jox,

Welcome to the forum. As Pete has already stated we would be grateful if you could post the picture.

George is remembered on three of Salford's memorials.

The Thiepval Memorial at Sacred Trinity Church
www.salfordwarmemorials.co.uk/thiepval-memorial-sacred-trinity-church.html




St Clement's, Broughton
www.salfordwarmemorials.co.uk/st-clements-broughton.html



And the Old Salfordians' Memorial
www.salfordwarmemorials.co.uk/old-salfordians.html




I hope that you have a good trip.

Garry

[jox]

I have only just seen this. I don't know what to say. THANKYOU. My computer skills are limited but I will try and scan the photograph of George Ashton from a book I have but from there I'm not sure how I can get it on your forum (even having read the help!)

[jox]

[shred]

Jox,

Well done on posting the picture. It is always good to see the man behind the name.

Thank you.

[prospectroad]

Hi Jox, the cap badge confirms Lancashire Fusiliers. Can I have your permission to use the photo in our forthcoming book on the 2nd Salford Pals?

Regards
Pete

[jox]

Yes of course you can as far as I'm concerned but I scanned the photograph from a book which a very distant relative of mine wrote about his own ancestry which he had ?self published in 1995 and he has put in stuff about copyright. His name is Nic Madge and his grandfather was the eldest brother of George. (Jack) who either enlisted or was conscripted in 1917 RGA reg no 179793. His book is called English Roots publisher Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, Phoenix Mill, Far Thrupp, Stroud Glos. I'm only giving you this info in case you were able to contact him. I have no idea whether you would need consent from him. I can only guess that he would give it, but wouldn't wish to get you in any trouble in case you needed it before printing.

jox

[Deleted]

Is this the same chap who wrote the book? link

Image on top right hand side of the book cover


Ben

[jox]

Top left - Yes. The book was given to me by my mother before she died as Nic Madge had visited her sometime before to gather information. If someone was able to get hold of him he may have relevant photographs for what you require.,,,

[jox]

Checking on google I see it would probably be quite easy to find Nic Madge as his name pops up as a judge in the Peterborough area.

Jox

[Deleted]

Prospectroad, if that is the same person who wrote the book then you would have to be 100% sure of the copy rights.
Have you seen what he did/does for a living



Ben

[jox]

If anyone wishes to follow this up with Nic Madge then my mother was Joan Dixon nee Ashton daughter of Valentine (George's brother). She helped Nic with family information and photos, so maybe he can help you with photos.

Jox

[prospectroad]

Hi Jox, sorry for slow reply, I was at the match this afternoon so have been away from the computer. I'll contact Nic for permission. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

I'll be at Thiepval next month so I'll leave a poppy at the memorial for George.

Regards
Pete