William was born in 1886, he was the son of Henry Ash and Hannah Ash and brother of Fred, Charles, George, Harriet and Alfred. Also living with the family in 1911 was a niece called Ada May. They lived in a cottage, now demolished, on East End which would have been where the shop is now. Willie was killed in action on 3rd November 1916 at the Battle of Ancre Heights during the Battles of the Somme. He had been on active service in France for nine weeks when he was caught by a snipers bullet, death followed immediately. Prior to joining up he had been a gardener for Mr. W. A. Plimpton of Park House. (Father of Captain Robert Plimpton) Letters from his comrades stated that Private Ash was a good soldier, cheerful and keen in the discharge of his duty; his death was mourned by the whole platoon.
His commemorative gravestone in Walkington churchyard is inscribed:
Pte Willie Ash 1st East Yorkshire Reg. Killed in action in France Nov. 3rd 1916 aged 30 years. His mother, brothers and sister also commemorated his loss in the Roll Of Honour in the Beverley Guardian with the following verses; In a far and distant graveyard
The trees their branches wave Lies a loving son and brother In a British soldiers grave. Sleep dear son in a soldier’s grave Your life for your country you nobly gave No one stood near you to say goodbye But safe in God’s keeping now you lie.
The Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Ancre Heights is described in detail in the war diaries of the East Yorkshire Regiment. During the Battle of Ancre, 13-18th November, 1916 Private John Cunningham 13th (s) Battalion East Yorkshires from Hull gained the Victoria Cross. William Ash is buried in Cambrin Churchyard Extension, near Bethune, France.
