Alfred's Story.
Alfred Ashley, brother of William Ashley, WW1"Fallen"
The Northwich Guardian 1916, 28th July (P5/C4) for William Ashley mentions a brother also serving.
Mrs Ashley, wife of Lance-Corporal William Ashley of Weaverham has received a letter from a comrade informing her that her husband has been severely wounded but at present she is anxiously awaiting further news. Lance-Corporal Ashley is 26 years of age and has two children. He joined the Cheshire Regiment at the beginning of the war and has been on active service for twelve months. He has a brother also serving in the Army.
Checking the B. M. & Co. R.o.H. booklet, the Winnington Works record 4 Ashley lads serving, including an Alfred Ashley Pte. with the 1st East Lancs., Died.
C.W.C.G. remember Alfred Ashley at the AIRE COMMUNAL CEMETERY in France. Alfred was with the 1st Bn. East Lancashire Regiment, Pte. Service No 6786. He died on the 22nd August 1918 aged 27 years. Son of Mrs Ashley of 2 Moss Grove, Oakwood Lane, Barnton, Northwich. Husband of Mrs Ashley of 922 London Rd., Northwich. Personal Inscription; A LOVING HUSBAND TRUE & KIND BEAUTIFUL MEMORY LEFT BEHIND EVER REMEMBERED BY HIS GERTRUDE.
N.A.M.C. have a medal card for Alfred, he was with the “E. Lan. R. Pte. 6786” Theatre of War (1) France and Date of Entry 17/7/15, awarded the 15 Star, Victory and British medals.
Cheshirebmd records the marriage of Alfred Ashley/Gertrude Clare in 1916, Christ Church, Barnton. Carls Cam record an Alfred Ashley at the Winnington Works but with a date c1916. (Is this another Alfred Ashley?)
Guardian Article dated 6th Sept 1918 P3/C1. DIED OF WOUNDS PRIVATE ALFRED ASHLEY
A telegram was received on Saturday by Mrs Ashley of ? Back London Road, stating that her husband Private Alfred Ashley of the East Lancashire Regiment had died of wounds in hospital abroad. Private Ashley, who enlisted, in 1914 had been on active service for three years & in civil life he was employed at the Winnington Works of Messrs Brunner Mond and Co. Three brother-in-laws are on active service and another has been killed in action.
Research Bob Heaton