Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1985.278.007 |
Object Name |
photograph |
Description |
Black and white, three-quarter length portrait photograph of Captain Gerald Kenyon Ashby in soldier's uniform. He has a mustache, is wearing a cap, and is holding his gloves in his left hand. He is holding a baton in both hands. |
Year Range from |
1914 |
Year Range to |
1918 |
Medium |
cardstock |
Event |
First World War |
Provenance |
Captain Gerald Kenyon Ashby Born September 29th, 1876 in Blackheath, England. He went to Charterhouse school, played football and cricket, and was a South of England tennis champion. Married Frances Norris (family name unknown) while in England. He had previous military experience serving with the 4th Surrey Shropshire Yeomanry for 4 years as a Lieutenant. Served with the Queen's West Surrey Regiment as well. Came to Canada circa 1908. Lived with wife as a fruit rancher in South Slocan, British Columbia. Religion was Church of England. Enlisted with the 7th Battalion at Valcartier on August on 22nd or 27th, 1914. Other sources say he enlisted with the Grand Forks Sharpshooters. He attained the rank of corporal in September, 1914. He left Canada on October 3rd, 1914 with the First Contingent. Attained rank of Staff Sergeant in January, 1915. He arrived in France in February, 1915. Attained the rank of Sergeant Major in March. He was appointed to the commissioned rank of Captain on July 1st, 1915. Suffered from problems with varix in his right leg throughout August and September. Served in France with the 7th Battalion and the 4th Battalion; became a captain in 1916. From that time on he served on the Canadian Headquarters staff. In 1918, he was acting Major - the officer in charge of Canadian Effects; and staff captain. Employed by the OMCF (Overseas Military Forces Canada, based in London) in 1919. Returned to Canada in the November of that year. From December, 1919 to January 1920, he held a similar staff position in Ottawa. Demobilized on July 3rd, 1920, and returned home in 1921. Eventually relocated from South Slocan to Nelson and became caretaker of post office building (presently the Touchstones Nelson museum). He was one of the earlier presidents of the Nelson branch of the Canadian Legion. He was also the secretary, and then president, of the Red Chevrons "Originals" club, after being instrumental in its forming. Died of a heart attack on October 2nd, 1938 in Nelson, after giving a speech at the Red Chevron's club banquet; 62 years old. Buried in Nelson. Known family: Wife - Francis Norris Ashby; Son - Richard Charles Dudley Ashby (lived in London, England); two grandchildren. |
People |
Ashby, Gerald Kenyon |