Rushden Research Group: Charles Edward Ashford 1918

From the “Burnt Records”, by Peter Inns, 2008

2nd Corporal Charles Edward Ashford

216801 79^th Field Coy. Royal Engineers

Son of Mr Samuel & Mrs Ellen Ashford
Husband of Zillah Ann

Aged 25 years

Died 4th November 1918

Commemorated at Le Cateau Military Cemetery
Grave II. B.20

Born at Finedon, enlisted at Rushden.

Rushden Echo, 29th November 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

Casualty List
The death on November 4th, 1918, from wounds has been officially reported of Cpl. C E Ashford, Royal Engineers, of Rushden. He joined up in December 1915, and had been in France nearly two years, [and had been] fortunate enough to escape [injury until] within a few days of the signing of the Armistice. He leaves a widow and one child, with whom much sympathy is felt. Before he enlisted he was in business as a wood merchant, having succeeded Mr G W Knowlton, Moor-road. He sold the business when he joined the Army. [there is a space in the newsclip]

Researched by Peter Inns

Charles Edward Ashford, Corporal, 216810, served with the 79th Field Coy, Royal Engineers. Born on the 11th August 1890 at Finedon to Samuel and Eleanor Ashford, and was baptised on the 14th December 1890 at St Mary’s Parish Church Finedon. By trade Charles was a carpenter. When he enlisted at Rushden on the 3rd December 1915, he was living at 92 Moor Road with his wife; he had married Zillah Ann Horn on the 17th July 1915 at Irthlingborough. When their daughter Jean was born 25th May 1917 they were living at 14 Scarborough Street Irthlingborough. Charles was promoted to 2nd Corporal on the 23rd March 1918; he died of wounds on the 4th November 1918.

From the “Burnt Records”, by Peter Inns, 2008

(Charles) Edward Ashford

216801 Enlisted 3rd December 1915 at Rushden – reserved – mobilized 4th December 1916.

Of 92 Moor Road Rushden.

Aged 25. Carpenter.

He was 5’ 9” tall, weight 134lbs., with 36” chest (expanded) – 2” range of expansion. [altered to 34” – 3”]

Next of kin was his wife Zillah Ann (nee Horn) married 17th July 1915, now of 14 Scarborough Street, Irthlingborough.

He served at home from 4th December 1916 until 18th June 1917, and in France from 19th June 1917 with 79th Field Coy. Royal Engineers.

He was promoted to Corporal 3rd December 1917, and to 2nd Corporal on 28th March 1918. He died of wounds 4th November 1918.

Total Service 2 years 337 days.

He was buried at Le Cateau Military Cemetery.

Widow’s statement 2nd April 1920.

They had one daughter Jean.

His parents were Samuel & Ellen.

He had 3 brothers and 3 sisters, 6 nieces, 6 nephews, 4 aunts and 4 uncles now living who were blood relatives.

Ministry of Pensions awarded a pension of 21/8d per week for her and one child to be paid from 26th May 1919.

His effects had been posted to her on 28th May 1919.

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