Thomas Ashford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Elsdon Ashford
VC
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| Born | 1859 Newmarket, Suffolk |
| Died | 21 February 1913 (aged 53–54) Whitwick, Leicestershire |
| Buried |
Whitwick Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1877–1889 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Royal Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Afghan War |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
| Other work | Postman |
Thomas Elsdon Ashford (1859 – 1913) was a brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage in the face of danger. This special medal is given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries for amazing acts of bravery.
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Early Life of Thomas Ashford
Thomas Ashford was born in 1859 in Newmarket, Suffolk, England. When he was 18 years old, in 1877, he decided to join the British Army. He became a soldier in the 49th Brigade.
A Heroic Act in Afghanistan
Thomas Ashford was about 21 years old when he showed incredible bravery. He was a Private in a group of soldiers called The Royal Fusiliers. This happened during a conflict known as the Second Anglo-Afghan War.
On August 16, 1880, a battle took place near Kandahar, in Afghanistan. During this fight, Private Ashford helped another soldier who was badly hurt. This wounded soldier, Private Massey, had found a little bit of safety in a small building called a block-house.
Private Ashford, along with Lieutenant William St. Lucien Chase, went to rescue Private Massey. They had to carry him for more than 200 yards (which is about two football fields) while the enemy was still shooting at them. They had to stop and rest a few times because it was so difficult. But they kept going, showing great determination. Finally, they managed to bring the wounded soldier to a safe place.
For this incredibly brave act, Thomas Ashford was awarded the Victoria Cross. This medal is given for "conspicuous gallantry," which means outstanding bravery, especially when facing the enemy.
Life After the Army
After his time in the military, Thomas Ashford settled down in a village called Thringstone in Leicestershire, England. He worked as a postman for many years, delivering mail to people's homes.
In 1891, he married Betsy Ann Sisson in Thringstone Church. Later, he moved to a nearby village called Whitwick. Thomas Ashford passed away on February 13, 1913.
Thousands of people came to his funeral, and he was buried in Whitwick Cemetery. For a long time, his grave didn't have a special marker. But later, the local Royal British Legion (a group that supports military veterans) provided a monument for him. Today, three streets in Whitwick are named in his honor, remembering his bravery.
The Victoria Cross Medal
Thomas Ashford's Victoria Cross medal is a very important piece of history. You can see it on display at the Royal Fusiliers Museum, which is located in the famous Tower of London in England.
