Wilfred Ash
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Wilfred Ash was the son of Frederick John and Martha Ash (née Smith). His father Frederick John Ash was born in Ranskill, Nottinghamshire, in about 1851. His mother Martha was born in Gringley on the Hill, Nottinghamshire, in about 1854. They were married at Saundby St Martin, Nottinghamshire, in 1876 and had eight children between 1876 and 1893 of whom seven survived childhood. John Thomas, Ada, Annie, Wilfred birth registered 1884 (J/F/M East Retford) bap. 26 January 1884, Leonard, Mary Ann and Eva. With the exception of John Thomas who was born in Blyth and Ada who was born in Worksop, the children were born in Ranskill. All but John and Eva were baptised at Blyth SS Mary and Martin, Nottinghamshire. Frederick, a wheelwright, and Martha were living in Ranskill in 1881 with their three children John, Ada and Annie. By 1891 they had moved to Blyth Lane, Torworth, where they were living with their six children: John who was working at a steel fork works, Ada, Annie, Wilfred, Leonard and Mary Ann. The youngest child, Eva, was born some years later. Frederick and Martha were living on Blyth Road (sic) Torworth in 1901 but only five of their seven children were in the household: John who was still at the steel fork works, Annie, Leonard a farm boy, Mary and Eva. Wilfred was working as a horseman at a farm in Braithwell, Yorkshire, one of five farm servants. Wilfred enlisted in the Coldstream Guards two years later in 1903 but had been discharged, possibly to the Army Reserve, by 1911 when he was recorded on the census as a police constable with Lincolnshire County Police. He and a fellow police constable were boarders at 7 Rowston Street, Cleethorpes. A newspaper report of his funeral said that he had served in the police for seven years before he was mobilised in 1914, suggesting that he had joined the police in about 1907. In 1911 his parents were still living in Torworth but only the youngest child, Eva, a dressmaker, was in the home on the night of the census. His father Frederick died in 1913 and his mother Martha in 1937 (reg. J/F/M East Retford).
Wilfred enlisted in the Coldstream Guards in 1903, probably on a short service engagement (period with the Colours and then the Army Reserve) as by 1911 he was a police constable with the Lincolnshire County Police. He rejoined the regiment on 3rd October 1914 and served with the 2nd Bn Coldstream Guards in France. A newspaper report of his funeral noted that he had served 12 years in the army. According to his epitaph, he was ‘disabled’ on the 6th August 1916, circumstances unknown. However, the newspaper report said that he had contracted pneumonia and was medically evacuated to England dying six days later on 11 August 1916 at the Military Hospital, Denmark Hill, London. The pension record card gives the cause of death as pulmonary tuberculosis and heart failure. The funeral service was held at Ranskill Wesleyan Chapel and Wilfred was then buried with full military honours in Ranskill St Barnabas Church burial ground (south part). His grave is marked with a Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone. He qualified for the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'Peace Perfect Peace' CWGC casualty information:- 'Son of the late Frederick John and Martha Ash, of Torworth, Ranskill, Doncaster.' 'Pte Wilfred Ash' Retford Times 18 Aug 1916 'The funeral of Pte Wilfred Ash, third son of the late Frederick and Martha Ash, Coldstream Guards, and late of the Lincolnshire County Police, took place on Wednesday. Twelve soldiers, in charge of Lieut Fitchew represented the Military Authorities and acted as bearers and guard of honour. The service was in the Wesleyan Chapel was conducted by the Rev J W Acres and the lesson was read by the Rev P A Illingworth who also assisted at the graveside at Ranskill Cemetery. A touching address was given by the Rev J W Acres who referred to the deceased as one of England’s heroes. The concluding ceremony was “The Last Post.” The deceased served twelve years in the Army. His time expired last March but he remained with his regiment antil a few days ago. He served seven years in the Lincolnshire County Police and when war was declared he rejoined his regiment in September of that year. He went out to France early in October 1914. After 13 months at the front and after having had several remarkable escapes, he came home for seven days. He then returned to the front and remained there until he was stricken with an attack of pneumonia. He was bought to England on Aug 8th and conveyed to the Military Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, where he passed away Friday last.. He was 32 years of age. The funeral was very largely attended by relatives and friends. – Letters of condolence have been received by the deceased’s mother and family from the Chief Constable of the Lincoln County Police and the Superintendent and Chief Clerk. The former said “The whole force have lost a good and gallant comrade who was highly respected by all who knew him.” Commemorated in Ranskill Church WW1 record book and Window 1 Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Died at London General Hospital, 'heart failure etc'. Legatee brother John Thomas Ash. WW1 Pension Ledgers Index Cards: named his mother, Martha Ash. Probate: Ash Wilfred of Torworth Nottinghamshire private in HM Army died 11 August 1916 at the 4th London Hospital Probate Nottingham 13 March to John Thomas Ash fork forger. Effects £149 2s. 10d. Original research by Colin Dannatt
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