Mexborough and Swinton Times June 23, 1917

Company Sergeant Major F Ashton
Kings Royal Rifles

2, New Street, Wombwell, has died of wounds received in action in France on May 29, aged 21.

His parents, Mr and Mrs John Ashton, received the following letter of sympathy from their sons company commander:

“It came as a great shock to me to hear that your son had died of wounds, and I cannot tell you how deeply grieved we all are, officers and men alike, at the death of such a fine soldier and friend. You might like to know something about it before he was wounded.

On May 20 he did not actually go ‘over the top’ with us, and no one regretted more than did he that his duties kept him at the advanced dressing station.

On his way up to the line, he was in splendid spirits, and kept the men singing and cheerful, remaining with us and helping to get the men into position until we actually move to the assault. We did not hear for some time that he had been hit, and even then we understood that his wound was not serious enough to get him home to England. Even now it is difficult to realise that we have lost him.

I have known your son for a long time, and followed his progress with great interest. Although he had not been CSM very long, nobody could have found a truer or more reliable man; always popular, a splendid example of a soldier in action, and a man to be proud of and to emulate.

He was as enthusiastic in sport as in the execution of his duty, and his place will be difficult to fill in the company and battalion.

All who knew him wish me to express their sincere sympathy with you in your great loss.”