Category: Military
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment or Ship: Royal Garrison Artillery
Service Number(s): 62357
Occupation: Gardener
Date of Birth: 1879
Place of Birth: Frant, Sussex
Date of Death: 19.11.1957
Place of Death: Toronto, York, Ontario, Canada
Address: Manor Lodge, Hastings Road, Bexhill on Sea
Photos and newspaper articles
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Family Information
Parents: Edward Bashford (1845-1919) and Sophia Bashford, nee Kipps, (1850-1933)
Ernest married Florence Minnie Voysey (widow) in the Register Office in Maidstone, Kent, on 19th June 1901. As far as the researcher can ascertain they had five children – three of whom are: Susie; Frederick Charles; and Olive.
First World War Experience
Ernest enlisted on 1st November 1915 – having previously served in The East Kent Buffs for three years. At the time of enlistment he was 36 years 5 months old. He was 6’ 1” tall, with a chest measurement of 40” – expanded by 2½”. He had no distinguishing marks and was a Roman Catholic by religion.
In the 29th January 1916 edition of a local newspaper the following article appeared:
“Sergeant Bashford, R.G.A., of the Manor Lodge, Bexhill, who is now in France, after training with his battery at Cooden, would be very grateful for the gift of an English concertina for the use of the men of his section. Our men at the Front seem to have very few wants, but when they ask for something it is our joyful duty to see that they get it. If any kind donor can supply
This little want, I should be pleased to act as the medium for its transmission to the Cooden Gunners. Or a few subscriptions to purchase a concertina would be welcome.”
On the night of 1st July 1918 Ernest was Number 1 on a Gun. Immediately after action an SOS call was made as the trail of the gun had run back further then it had previously done and twisted towards Ernest crushing his leg. He sustained a fractured right ankle with sever contusions to the left ankle. He was sent to a hospital in Rouen.
The injuries left Ernest with a 30% disability and a pension was awarded to him of 9/9d weekly with an allowance for four children of 6/- per week.
Ernest was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.