1st Battalion, Irish Guards.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the London Gazette of 8 July 1943.

Died of wounds, 4 February 1944.

Buried in the Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy.

Aged 23, the son of Wilfred and Jane Ashton, of Burnley, Lancashire; husband of Gladys Ashton, of Burnley, Lancashire.

The recommendation for the award of the DCM reads "This L/Sergeant took part in the attack on point 212 on 27 April 1943 and was a leading figure in the defence of point 214 throughout the whole period until the position was relieved. As the senior sergeant left in No. 3 Company, he took over command when Lieutenant Kennard was wounded on the morning of 30 April, and proved a worthy successor. But before this he also displayed the highest courage and devotion to duty and was an example of all that an excellent soldier should be. He was with Lieutenant Kennard in the attack on the machine guns, and it was he who turned one gun on the retreating Germans, and then brought it back to our position, having destroyed another. After the armoured car, which had got up on to the ring contour north of point 214 had been halted, it was he who prevented the crew from dismounting their guard by his skillful and accurate LMG fire, and having them pinned down, he handed over the gun, crawled forward with a small party and eliminated the crew, who had either gone to ground or were hiding inside the car. In this way, he removed a serious threat to the battalions position, no other armoured car attempted to come up this way again. During the attacks and counter attacks he was always at the forefront, and probably has the largest individual score of Germans to his credit. I strongly recommend this NCO for his numerous acts of bravery and initiative, of which only two have been mentioned."

The Burnley Express of 3 February 1945 p7 reported that: -

ROLL OF HONOUR: D.C.M.s Fate

Mrs. G. Ashton, of 12, Barbon Street, Burnley, has been informed that her husband, L/Sergt. Anthony Ashton, D.C.M., who was reported missing and believed wounded since February 4th, 1944, while serving with the Central Mediterranean Forces is now known to have succumbed to his wounds.

He joined the Army in 1941, and went abroad two years later. He was awarded the D.C.M. in June, 1943.
Before joining up he worked as a decorator for F. Schofield, St. Matthew Street. His parents reside at 159, Cleaver Street, Burnley.