Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 268

A Salonika M.C.. and Greek Military Cross group of six awarded to Captain P. Ashton, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who lost an eye during the Great War and was a First Class cricketer for Essex

Military Cross, G.V.R., engraved on reverse 'Capt P. Ashton.', with its case of issue; 1914 Star, clasp (2. Lieut P. Ashton. D. Of Corn. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. P. Ashton.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (Lieut. P. Ashton.); Greece, Military Cross, engraved on reverse 'Capt P. Ashton. D. of Corn: L.I.', very fine or better (6)

M.C. London Gazette 23 August 1918:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a raid on the enemy's outpost positions, being ordered to reach a position behind the left flank of the main objective, he led his platoons with such dash and determination that he covered 1,100 yards of ground and reached his objective within ten minutes. He was thus able to render valuable assistance to the main attack, and later he helped repulse a counter-attack. He displayed marked gallantry and fine leadership.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 21 July 1917.

Greece, Military Cross London Gazette 21 July 1919.

Percy Ashton was born at Calcutta, India on 27 February 1895, the son of Major Herbert and Victoria Ashton. He was educated at Winchester, appearing there on the 1911 census in the School Sanitorium, Ashton later joined the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry at the start of the Great War. Entering the war in France on 10 November 1914 but he lost an eye early in the campaign. Returning to the U.K. to convalesce he manged to recover and was posted to Salonika with the 8th Battalion. It was here that he was awarded both the Military Cross and the Greek Military Cross.

In the journal of the D.C.L.I. it states: 'He has lingered on till now, but his lingering has always been patient and cheery and those of us who have had the few opportunities there have been of seeing him have marvelled at his pluck- the old fighting and indomitable spirit which he showed throughout the War was always present- and I am sure that i am expressing the sentiment of all the Officers, NCOs and Men of the Regiment with whom he came in contact when I say how devoted we were to him and how much we regret his end.'

One of the writer's happiest memories of him was just before he conducted a hazardous night raid with his Company, stating 'I went to see him making his final preparations and found he and his men had blacked their faces and a more weird-looking lot it would be hard to imagine. "Percy's" charm of manner and exuberance of spirit on this, as on all other occasions made itself felt.'

After the war Ashton went to India with the 2nd Battalion and served with them in Mesopotamia, Malta, Plymouth, Dublin, Silesia and Cologne. After a tour of duty at the Depot he was forced by illness to go on half-pay.

He died on 18 September 1934 at Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon as a result of effects of his war service and is buried at Freyerning Cemetery, Essex, and is commemorated in one of the windows at St. Petroc's Church, Bodmin. Cornwall.

Percy was one of six brothers, 2 of whom died at a young age. His remaining 3 younger brothers who were all Old Wykehamists, having been educated at Winchester College and shared his Alma Mater, two of whom - Gilbert and Hubert- also won the Military Cross in the Great War. Both Percy and his brothers Claude and Hubert played cricket for Essex. Percy played one match against Middlesex on 21-24 June 1924, scoring 31 and 21 runs and taking one wicket for 55 runs. Claude and Hubert and played cricket many times for Essex with Hubert becoming Chairman of Essex C.C.C. from 1946-51 and President between 1949-70, being Knighted in 1959. A further brother Gilbert played for Worcestershire

His grandfather Major General Sir John Inglis K.C.B., commanded the Garrison in the Siege of Lucknow in 1857; sold together with uniform riband bar for the first four medals.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£1,600

Starting price
£1600