Company Sergeant Major Frank Ashton, C/476, King's Royal Rifle Corps 16th Bn. Died of wounds 29th May 1917, Age 21.
Biography:
Frank Ashton was born on the 16th August 1895 to John and Lucy Ashton (nee Jackson). He lived with his parents and siblings at 2 New Street, Wombwell. In his youth Frank was a member of his local church lads brigade. After leaving school he found work as a miner at Mitchell Main Colliery .
Frank enlisted shortly after the out break of war, attesting on the 21st September 1914. He began serving with the expeditionary forces overseas on 16th Nov 1915, Once in France he quickly rose through the ranks gaining several promotions in rapid succession, rising from corporal to company sergeant major, the latter, a position to which he was appointed on 5th January 1917. During July 1916 he received a gunshot wound to the right shoulder but had returned to regular duty by the end of August. Frank was again wounded in action on 20th May, he passed away a little over a week later at the No. 20 casualty clearing station from injuries to his shoulder and hand and was interred nearby at Boisleaux-au-Mont.
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| Church Lads Brigade memorial in St. Mary's Church, Wombwell. |
"On 20 May he did not actually go over the top with us. and no one regretted that more than he that his duty kept him at the advanced dressing station. on the way up to the line he was in splendid spirits as ever, and kept the men singing and cheerful, remaining with us and helping to get the men into position until we actually moved forward to the assault. I have known him for a long time, and followed his promotion with great interest; although he had not been coy. sergt- major very long, nobody could have found a truer or or more reliable man - always popular, a splendid example of a soldier in action, and a man to be proud of and emulate. He was as enthusiastic in sport as in the execution of his duties, and his place will be difficult to fill in the history of the company and battalions."
Extract taken from Frank Ashton's entry in De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour
Description:
According to his service record, Frank was 5ft and 9.5in tall and weighed 161lbs when he enlisted. His eyes were described as hazel in colour and his hair a shade of light brown.
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| The headstone commemorating Frank Ashton, located in Wombwell Cemetery. |
Sunken Road cemetery, Plot I.D. 11., Boisleaux-St. Marc, France.
Memorials:
Wombwell war memorial, Park St. South Yorkshire, S73 0HS.
Church Lads Brigade memorial, St. Mary's Church, Wombwell, S73 0DQ
Additional Information:
Frank Ashton is also remembered on his parent's headstone in Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire, S73 8HY.
Photo of Frank from South Yorkshire Times dated 23rd June 1917. With thanks to the Barnsley Archives.
