First World War Derbyshire soldier laid to rest in France

The bearer party from 1st Bn The Rifles carried the coffin of Sjt Henry Ashton to his graveside (Photo: Thomas Capiaux).

Relatives of a First World War Derbyshire soldier gathered in France today to witness his burial with full military honours alongside his comrades - more than a century after he was killed in action.

Serjeant Henry Ashton from Derby, who died in 1917, aged 44, was the first named soldier to be buried and laid to rest at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Loos British Cemetery Extension on 10 June 2025. All other soldiers buried at the new Extension to date are unnamed.

His remains were discovered during construction work for a new hospital in Lens, and research showed that the remains belonged to a man of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI), with extensive pre-war service demonstrated by the tattered remains of medal ribbons still attached to his uniform. DNA testing then led to formal identification of Sjt Henry Ashton.

The service was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC).

Lt Fintan Yeatman of 1st Bn The Rifles presents the flag from Sjt Aston’s coffin to his great-grandson Paul (Photo: Thomas Capiaux).

 Alexia Clark, MOD War Detective said:
“It has been a privilege to identify Sjt Ashton, and to be able to organise this burial service for him. When you consider the half-a-million men still missing from the First and Second World Wars, every one we can identify feels like an achievement. I am delighted that Sjt Ashton’s family have now been able to give him the dignified burial he had been denied for so long.”

Sjt Ashton initially served 12½ years with the Seaforth Highlanders before working for the Midland Railway Company. He rejoined the army in March 1915, first with the Derbyshire Yeomanry before transferring to the 14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry in October 1916.

Sjt Ashton was killed on 22 April 1917 during operations near Lens. A letter received at home from his officer, Captain Allden Owles, stated that he had died instantly and served bravely. Following the war Henry’s body was not recovered, and he was listed on the Memorial to the Missing at Loos.

Commemorations Casework Manager at the CWGC, David Royle, said:
"It has been an honour to be involved in the historical research that has led to the identification of Serjeant Henry Ashton. Burial ceremonies like these are a reminder that the work of the CWGC continues and are as important today as when we were first founded. We will care for his grave, and those of his comrades, in perpetuity."

The Military Party at the graveside with members of Sjt Ashton’s family (Photo: Thomas Capiaux).

Henry Ashton - 24 March 1873 – 22 April 1917

Henry Ashton was born in Glossop, Derbyshire in 1873, the second of five children of John Ashton, a railway wheel-smith, and his wife Harriet.

In the late 19th century Henry joined the Seaforth Highlanders and served a term of 12 ½ years with them, earning medals for campaigns in India, Egypt, Sudan and South Africa. On leaving the army he joined the Midland Railway Company. He married Hetty Martin in 1905, and together they had two children – Herbert William born in 1905 and Winifred Beatrice born in 1909.

In March 1915, Henry rejoined the army – first attesting for service with the Derbyshire Yeomanry. He underwent a period of training and service at home before leaving for France in late-September 1916. In October 1916 he transferred to the 14th Bn Durham Light Infantry (DLI), and at around the same time he was promoted to the rank of Serjeant.

Henry joined his new unit near Meaulte, in the Somme region of France until November 1916 when they moved north towards the industrial towns around Lens and Bethune. Much of early 1917 was spent in training and reinforcing the front line, work that stepped up in intensity as preparations were made for what would become known as the Battle of Arras. On the night of 20 April 1917, the 14th DLI were in trenches in the Loos & Lens sector – occupying Netley Trench and Novel Alley, with the objective to capture a concrete point and Dynamite Magazine. These objectives were won by the time the Battalion was relived on the morning of the 23rd April, but not without cost. 35 men had lost their lives, whilst a further 24 were missing and 183 were injured. Henry was one of those killed.