ASHBY, George
No. 6457, Private, George ASHBY
Aged 29
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Born in Exning on 25th February 1885 (Newmarket 3b/539) to George and Harriet ASHBY (née WARREN) of Birds Alley, Exning. 1891 census...at Oxford Street, Exning were Father, George [28] labourer, born Exning....Mother, Harriet [26], born Exning....George [6] scholar, born Exning....sister Emma M [4], born Exning....sister Ethel S [10 months], born Exning 1901 census...at Oxford Square, Exning were George [16] ( a labourer in sewage), with father (labourer), mother, sisters Emma and Ethel and brother Robert [5], born Exning....brother Javey ? [3]. born Exning and brother Cecil [10 months], born Exning 1911 census...at Dennis Yard, Oxford Street, Exning were George [26] (Army Reservist) with father (Assistant groom on stud), mother, sister Ethel Sarah (domestic), brother Robert (farm servant with horses), brother Jabez (errand boy) and brother Cecil James (errand boy). One sibling had died, but who this was is not known His parents were later at 2 Heath Cottages, Exning. He enlisted in Newmarket. He was recorded as an Army Reservist, which explains why he was in France so early in the war. His friend mentioned below can be found here Robert Fuller George's entry in "Our Exning Heroes" reads as follows: Ashby, G. 2nd Suffolks George Ashby was on the reserve when war broke out, having previously served eight years in the Army, of which four years were spent in India. He was killed by a shell which shattered one of his legs and one of his arms, and lived about five hours, his death occurring on November 20th, 1914. Private Robert Fuller, one of his personal friends, who himself later in the war made the great sacrifice, assisted at his funeral. His Captain, in conveying the news to his parents, writes as follows: "He was a Regimental Scout, and his loss will be felt not only by his Company, but by all the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Battalion. Such men as your son are not easily replaced, and it may be a comfort to you to know he was all that a soldier could be, and he died a hero's death." He was fond of football and used to play with the village team. He was 29 at the time of his death From the Newmarket Journal 5th December 1914:- Died a heroes death at the Front- We regret to say that Private George Ashby was killed in action on November 20th. The deceased was 29 years of age, and had served nearly twelve years in the 2nd Suffolks. He was a man of fine physique, and was most popular in the village. General sympathy is felt for family and friends. Pte. Ashby was educated at the Exning Council School. At least 150 old boys of this school are now serving with the Colours. - The news was conveyed to the father in the following letter:- "In the Field, 21st November, 1914. Dear Sir - I much regret to inform you that your poor son No.6457 Pte. Ashby, G., was killed in action yesterday. He was a regimental scout, and his loss will be felt not only by the Company, but by all the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Battalion. Such men as your son are not easily replaced, and it may be a comfort to you to know he was all that a soldier could be, and he died a hero's death. Yours truly, R Crespigny, Captain of "B" Company, 2nd Suffolk Regiment." From the Newmarket Journal of 12th December 1914:-An Exning Hero- A most impressive sermon was preached on Sunday evening last by the Rev. H.P. Brewer (vicar) on "The Judgment" to a large congregation. In the course of his remarks the Vicar spoke about the letters published in the NEWMARKET JOURNAL telling the story of the death of Private G.Ashby of Exning at the Front, and said he had died a hero's death. After the service muffled peals were rung. Pte. Ashby's family has been represented in the band of bell ringers for well over a century. - Mr. and Mrs G. Ashby wish to thank the Vicar, the bell ringers, and all those kind friends who have sympathised with them in their bereavement. The heartfelt sympathy of the Shepherds of Goshen Lodge of Shepherds (of which Pte. Ashby had been a memeber since his boyhood) has been conveyed to the parents by Bros. James Brown, W.M., G.Scott, treasurer, and Gordon Abrey secretary. Pte. Ashby's last letter to his parents:- "Dear mother and father, Just a few lines to you in answer to your letter, which I received quite safely. I was pleased to hear that your were all well at home , and in the best of health at present. I got the "Wild Woodbines" and belts on the 2nd November. I was very pleased with them, thank them at home for sending them, but they cost a lot out here. We get plenty of 'fags' out here now, which people send, so do not send any more until I let you know. We are getting it a bit rough again. We are fighting every day. I shall be glad when the fighting is all over, so that we can get home again, but I do not know when it will be. I wish it would be over before Christmas, as it is so very cold lying about on the ground all night and day in the cold frost- it is enough to kill you… Your loving son, George Ashby." |
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George arrived in France after the Battle of Le Cateau, just in time for the 1st Battle of Ypres. His arrival with the re-inforcements would have been most
welcome since the Battalion of 1000 men that had arrived in France on 17th August had been drastically reduced, only 229 men answering roll call at Pontoise
28th August. The 2nd Suffolks were part of 14th Brigade, 5th Division, 2 Corps., at the 1st Battle of Ypres. George died just as the battle was coming to an
end, the 2nd Suffolks relieved some French troops in trenches to the east of Wulverghem on the 15th November and spent nearly a week being harassed by snipers
before moving to the Douve River around the 22nd. He was one of only two of the battalion killed in that period.
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