Name
Walter Henry Ashby
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Biography
Walter Ashby was born on 28th May 1889 at Troley Bottom, Abbots Langley. He was one of eight children born to Walter Henry (senior) and Sarah Ashby. Two of his brothers, Lewis and Thomas also served in the Great War. Walter Henry (senior) worked as General Labourer.
In the 1911 Census Walter was living in Adrian Road, Abbots Langley, and worked as a Gardener Domestic. Walter enlisted with the Royal Navy on 15th January 1915 and was posted to HMS “Pembroke 1”, a shore barracks or “stone ship” at Chatham. He remained with HMS “Pembroke 1” until 8th February 1915.
The Abbots Langley Parish Magazine Roll of Honour listed Walter for the first time in the February 1915 edition, and indicated that he was serving with the Royal Navy. Between 9th February 1915 to 28th October 1916 Walter was posted to HMS “Ganges”, another shore base near Harwich, where he served as a Cook’s Mate. At enlistment he gave his occupation as “Baker”. He returned to HMS “Pembroke 1” on 29th October 1916 and on 20th December Walter’s Navy Record showed that was posted elsewhere until 27th September 1917, but the record is illegible. He returned to HMS “Pembroke 1” again on 27th September 1917, still with the rank of Cook’s Mate, before being posted to HMS “Daedalus” on 27th February 1918.
HMS “Daedalus” was a sea-plane base at Lee on Solent, and from 31st March 1918 Walter it was recorded that he had transferred to the RAF. Walter was recorded in the Autumn 1918 and Spring 1919 Absent Voter Records, serving with the RAF, however in the Autumn 1919 Record he was listed serving as a Corporal with the Royal Army Medical Corps. In all three lists his home address was given at 30 Adrian Road, Abbots Langley.
Walter’s brothers, Thomas and Lewis both died in the War. Thomas died from his wounds very early in the War, during the retreat from Mons in September 1914. Lewis was killed in action on the Somme in February 1917. Walter’s uncle, Albert Ashby also served and returned after the War. His brother in law, Percy Cox, who had married his sister Annie, was killed in action in April 1918 during the Zeebrugge Raid.
Walter Ashby survived the War.
Additional Information
Royal Navy (joined RAF, March 1918)
Acknowledgments
Roger Yapp - www.backtothefront.org
