Second Afghan War Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Burrough Green, England, he served as a Private in the Royal Fusiliers, British Army. On August 16, 1880, Private Ashford was part of a party of British soldiers which come under siege from local tribesman in the small Afghan village of Deh Khoja. Many of the soldiers were quickly killed and one of the injured men managed to pull himself into the cover of a building under heavy fire. Private Ashford with Lieutenant William Chase noticed their comrade's desperate situation and together they went to rescue him. As they headed towards the building two hundred yards away, the Afghans started to open fire on them. Several times they attempted to reach the building but had to stop. Finally they reached the building, retrieved their comrade and under heavy fire, returned to safety. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, Private Ashford and Lieutenant Chase were awarded the Victoria Cross on October 14, 1881. After the war, Ashford worked as a postman in Whitwick, England, for over twenty years. He died of bronchitis at age 54.
Second Afghan War Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Burrough Green, England, he served as a Private in the Royal Fusiliers, British Army. On August 16, 1880, Private Ashford was part of a party of British soldiers which come under siege from local tribesman in the small Afghan village of Deh Khoja. Many of the soldiers were quickly killed and one of the injured men managed to pull himself into the cover of a building under heavy fire. Private Ashford with Lieutenant William Chase noticed their comrade's desperate situation and together they went to rescue him. As they headed towards the building two hundred yards away, the Afghans started to open fire on them. Several times they attempted to reach the building but had to stop. Finally they reached the building, retrieved their comrade and under heavy fire, returned to safety. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, Private Ashford and Lieutenant Chase were awarded the Victoria Cross on October 14, 1881. After the war, Ashford worked as a postman in Whitwick, England, for over twenty years. He died of bronchitis at age 54.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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