Thomas Ashford

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Thomas Elsdon Ashford (1859 – 21 February 1913) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was about 21 years old, and a private in The Royal Fusiliers, British Army during the Second Afghan War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 16 August 1880 at Deh Khoja, near Kandahar, Afghanistan, Private Ashford assisted a lieutenant (William St. Lucien Chase) in rescuing and carrying for a distance of over 200 yards under the fire of the enemy, a wounded soldier who had taken shelter in a block-house. Several times they were compelled to rest, but they persevered and finally brought the wounded man to a place of safety.

After his military service, Ashford settled in Thringstone, Leicestershire and served as a postman for many years. He was married in Thringstone Church to Betsy Ann Sisson on January 29 1891. He later moved to the neighbouring village of Whitwick and died on February 13 1913. He was laid to rest in Whitwick Cemetery, in the presence of thousands of mourners, though the grave lay unmarked for many years, until a monument was provided by the local British Legion. Three street names in Whitwick have since been named in his honour.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Fusiliers Museum (Tower of London, England).

References

• "Elegant Extracts" - The Royal Fusiliers Recipients of the VC (J.P. Kelleher, 2001)
• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

External links

• Burial location of Thomas Ashford "Leicestershire"
• Location of Thomas Ashord's Victoria Cross "Royal Fusiliers Museum, London"
• Pvt Thomas Elsdon Ashford on Find-A-Grave