Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 737

A 'Battle of La Bassée 1914' casualty's pair to Private W. Ashworth, 'D' Comapny, 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment, who was killed in action on 19 October 1914

British War and Victory Medals (9575 Pte. W. Ashworth. Manch. R.), good very fine (2)

William Ashworth was born at St. John's, Salford in 1886 and enlisted with the Manchester Regiment on 9 January 1904. Serving at Home until 28 February 1905 he was posted for service in India, remaining there until 6 April 1907 when he was again on Home Service. Here he remained until the outbreak of the Great War, entering the war in France on 11 September 1914. (1914 Star)

Joining his Battalion on the front Ashworth was thrown immediately into the fighting with the Battle of La Bassée opening with an allied advance on 16 October. Over three days of heavy fighting, Franco-British forces drove the Germans back from Aubers Ridge. The Manchester's advance reached its peak on 19 October when they took Les Trois Mansions, counter attacked they were under heavy attack for the next two days. Ashworth was killed in the fighting on 19 October, his body was never found and he is commemorated upon the Le Touret Memorial; sold together with an original slip of issue.

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

Sold for
£80

Starting price
£80