Six: Captain H. W. Ashby, Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, S.E. Asia 1945-46, Malaya (Capt. H. W. Ashby. 5. G.R.) light contact marks throughout, generally very fine and better (6) £140-£180

Sotheby’s, July 1995.

Harold William ‘Gus’ Ashby was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, on 18 May 1921 and was appointed to a commission in the 5th Battalion, Gurkha Rifles, in December 1943. Raised Lieutenant the following year, his service and life is detailed by the Journal of the 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles Regimental Association (1991):
‘Gus joined 3/5 RGR at Nasik from “The 56th” in 1945 and as intelligence officer he was fully involved, and acquitted himself well, in many a skirmish. His leadership and man management were excellent and he had a good rapport with his men. An extrovert with a great sense of fun, he was quick to learn the language. Very tall and slim, he was an outstanding soccer player - the Battalion’s most formidable centre forward.

It was not long before he met Ann, a charming girl who was soon to become his wife. They were married in Holland on his first leave. Demobilisation followed but Gus found it difficult to settle down to civilian life in the UK. He eventually rejoined the Army and returned to the Gurkha fold in 1953 for a three-year tour with 1/6 GR. He and his young family took full advantage of life in Ipoh. The Ashby’s were well liked by everyone.

Ann died in 1975 and Gus was shattered. Emerging from his depression in due course, he turned his attention once again to the well-being of the Gurkha pensioner. He was quick to respond to the clarion call from the Gurkha Welfare Trusts.’

Further research notes that Ashby served in Malaya and Java between 1945 and 1947 and was serving as Company Commander when sent with his platoon to guard His Highness the Sultan of Negeri Sembilan; in Indonesia he was tasked with investigating a quinine factory being used for nefarious purposes - one Gurkha was killed and four wounded in attempting to take control of the building.

Relocating in retirement to Wareham in Dorset, Ashby devoted his later years to sport and was fondly remembered by the regulars of the Half Way Inn, near Corfe Castle. The local cricket team bore his name and enjoyed many a game vying for a silver trophy in his memory; much admired for his care and concern for the Gurkha, Ashby died peacefully on 14 January 1990, his wake coinciding with the day of the great storm: ‘The battering of the gale on the church roof sounded like an artillery barrage from within. It was a sad but dramatic farewell.’

Sold with extensive copied research.