William Ashwood

Acting Bombardier William Ashwood. Authors image

26354 Acting Bombardier

111th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery

Age: 33

Date of Death: 26.8.17

Buried: The Huts Cemetery III.B.15

Family history: Son of Robert and Annie Taylor Ashwood. He had two brothers and five sisters. Prior to enlisting he was employed as a moulder by Paul & McLacalan Iron Foundry, Denny.

The action leading to his death

The War Diary for 26 August records: 9 men killed and 14 wounded by bombs dropped by aeroplane on wagon lines Near Swan Chateau.

Trench map showing the location of Swan Chateau

In a letter to his brother James, Captain R H Johnson wrote: ‘It is with great regret that I have to announce to you that your brother, Bombardier Ashwood, has been killed. A bomb, dropped from a hostile aeroplane, fell in the camp and unfortunately claimed your brother as one of its victims; mercifully, death was instantaneous. Your brother was a very valuable NCO, and we shall feel his loss acutely. Please accept our deep sympathy in your loss.’

Medals Awarded:

1914 Star & Clasp, The British War Medal, Victory Medal

Acting Bombardier William Ashwood, 111th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, Medal Index Card