Squire Ashworth

Squire Ashworth was born in Turton in 1892.

He was the only son of James and Ann Ashworth of 18 Talbot Street, Astley Bridge, Bolton. Both his parents were cotton weavers. He had two younger sisters - Mary Jane and Bertha.

Squire was awarded a Scholarship to Bolton Church Institute in 1905

He is listed on the 1911 Census as a crofter in the yarn bleaching industry. He worked at the Pioneer Mill, Radcliffe before the war.

Ashworth family tree - pdf

Squire's War

Squire may have been a member of the Bolton Artillery, a Territorial Force, before the war.  As his original service number 1307 shows, he enlisted very soon after war was declared in 1914, as part of the East Lancashire Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was armed with 15-pound, later 18-pound, guns.

By the end of September 1914 he was in Egypt, to defend the Suez Canal against Turkish attacks.

He probably went from Egypt in September 1915 to fight at Gallipoli; if so he survived and returned to Egypt in January 1916.

In early 1917 he was moved to the Western Front in France with the 42nd Division.

During June his Brigade (by now the 211th) was fighting in the area near the village of Ribecourt.  He was killed on 10 June 1917 and is buried at  Ruyaulcourt Military Cemetery.

Squire Ashworth is remembered on the Bolton Artillery Memorial in Nelson Square, Bolton and his name also appears on the War Memorial at St Paul's Church, Astley Bridge, Bolton.

 

Bolton Journal and Guardian
29 June 1917

Gunner SQUIRE ASHWORTH, R.F.A. was killed in action on June 10th. He enlisted in August 1914. His parents live at 18 Talbot-st. Bolton and prior to the war he was employed at the Pioneer Mill, Radcliffe. He was 24 years of age and his name is on the Roll of Honour at St. Paul's Church, Astley Bridge.

 

Bolton Journal and Guardian
29 June 1917

Ashworth - Killed in Action, in France, on June 10th 1917. Gunner Squire Ashworth, aged 24.

We cannot, Lord, Thy purpose see
But all is well that's done by Thee


Deeply regretted by his sorrowing Father, Mother, Sisters and Brother-in-law in France. 18 Talbot-st..

 

Squire Ashworth

Squire Ashworth

Gunner: 710498

B Battery 211th Brigade
Royal Field Artillery

Born: Turton 1892

Died: France 10 June 1917

Link to CWGC Casualty Details

Royal Field Artillery

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