In Memory Of
ASHTON, WILLIAM FRANCIS
Service Details
Age:
19
Date of Birth:
-0001-11-30
Service No:
8727
Rank:
Private
Unit:
1st Regt.
Unit 2:
"B" Coy.
Regiment:
South African Infantry
Date of Death:
1916-10-18
Cause of Death:
Killed in action. On the 18th October 1916, at 3.40 am, three companies of the 1st S.A.I. attacked Snag and Tail Trenches. The B Coy failed to realize that they had reached Snag Trench and continued beyond it. They had lost touch with their flanks and only some men succeeded to come back. Only a block was established at 50 metres of The Pimple. The D Company launched an attack at 5.45 pm and Snag Trench was occupied but the machine-gun fire from the Butte de Warlencourt took a heavy toll, leaving a small group in the trench.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
I. E. 36.
Cemetery:
WARLENCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY
Localitly:
Pas de Calais
Country:
France
Additional Information
Son of Henry and Lydia Ashton, of Mafeking, Cape Province. On St. Andrew's College Roll of Honour, Grahamstown
