Ernest Charles Ashton CMG

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit at enlistment:

36th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Cemetery:

St. Luke’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Victoria, British Columbia

Awards or decorations:

Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George

Commemorated at:

Grace Anglican Church, Independent Order of Foresters, Mohawk Institute Honour Roll

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

122 Darling Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

122 Darling Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Physician

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 30450
Date: January 1, 1918
Honour or Award: Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George
Name: Ernest Charles Ashton (Brigadier General)
Unit: 1st Central Ontario Regiment

BX October 18, 1915

More Men And Still More Men Are Yet Needed – Brig. Ashton – No Young Man Can Afford to be Deaf to Call – Brigadier of 9th Brigade, Held in Reserve for First and Second Contingents Appeals to Brantford Young Men to Listen to the Call – Brantford Officers and Men Have Made a Splendid Record – Praise From King and K of K for Their Steadiness

(Special to The Expositor)

September 29, 1915

Headquarters, 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade,
West Sandling Camp,
Shorncliffe, England

Your kind cablegram of congratulations filled me with confusion, as I am not yet the exalted personage placed in command of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, and while I am brigade commander or brigadier, I have had up to the present no promotion as to rank. That will possibly follow – at least I may be given rank as full colonel, but that is as the higher authorities decide. Nevertheless I deeply appreciate your message and kind wishes and only hope I may be able to deliver the goods in my new capacity.

Major A.N. Ashton, who has succeeded me in command of the 36th Battalion, will also doubtless receive his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant-colonel, but all these things take time.

Regrets Severance

It was a hard pinch to give up command and sever connection with the battalion I had organized and trained for so long and which I had grown to love, but I am glad to have them with me as one of the battalions of my brigade, and where I can keep an eye on my old boys.

Brantford Boys Good

I am glad to be able to tell you that, one and all the Brantford boys have done well. There are no better men in the battalion and I can tell you without boasting that there is no better battalion in this division than the old 36th. They have played the game all the time, have worked hard to make themselves proficient soldiers and have won a name for steadiness on every hand.

Praise From King and "K of K"

When the Canadian troops were reviewed by His Majesty the King, on different occasions personally complimented me on the marvelous steadiness of my men. The King spoke of it twice and at the close "K of K" came up to me and said "Colonel, these are the steadiest men I have seen for many a long day. They are a fine lot."

A Reinforcement Battalion

We have settled down now for the winter in a permanent camp to the duties of a reserve brigade, each battalion 1,800 strong and each reinforcing two battalions at the front. The 36th reinforce the 18th and 19th in both of which we have many old friends.

It has been a bitter pill to swallow – this reserve duty – for we hoped against hope up till two weeks ago that with our organization and training at a high pitch we might still be given an opportunity of going to the front as a unit. In fact, I know that at one time we were selected to do so, but the scheme fell through and we were definitely informed that we must take over our reserve duties. So, seeing no opportunity of getting away with my battalion, I accepted a brigade command and trust that I may in time qualify for higher command in the field.

Selected Brantford Officers

I suppose you have heard that three Brantford officers from the 36th were drafted to the Royal Canadian Regiment, which had come from Bermuda a week ago, and will be luckier than we were. Fourteen officers were wanted – to be drawn from the whole division – five were taken from the 36th and of these three from Brantford – Lieuts. Dickson, Walsh and Brewster – all good men. It was hard to let them go, but such is war. They will be a credit to Brantford and their old corp.

We have had four weeks of delightful weather, glorious days and fine moonlight nights, and very little rain, but now it has turned cold and wet. We are glad to say good-byes to canvas and fully appreciate the hutments in our new camp, into which we have just moved.

4th Batt. Officers On Visit

Lieut.-Colonel “Mac” Colquhoun was a most welcome visitor a few weeks ago and Captain Fred Miller also spent a few days with us. Both have done well and made excellent records at the front, as also has Major Percy Jones, who has not yet had leave.

We hear that the 58th under Lieut.-Col. Genet may come over before long. We shall all have a hearty welcome for them. Under Col. Genet they will certainly develop into a splendid corp.

Need Many More Men

The report that reached us from Brantford re: recruiting is excellent. Both my old corps, the 32nd Battery and the Dufferin Rifles, have done splendidly and so I believe have the Dragoons. Keep up the good work. We shall want a lot more men and you can tell the men of Brantford from me that no young man can afford to stand out of this business. This, the greatest event in all history, and the most momentous in regards to the future well being of mankind. No sacrifices are too great to make whether we win or lose and the issue is still uncertain and a long way off. A man that is a man and fit to do duty and does not answer the call will have to face an accusing conscience that will insist that he let his brothers bear his burdens and that unnecessary lives were lost because he was not in line to do his share. Had we had a trained force of three million men available at the outbreak of the war the issue would have been decided in a few weeks. All our terrible casualty lists has been the direct result of having had to hold the line and play a waiting game while others could be trained. As it has been, so it will be till the end.

Need Huge Reserve

Had we the men now, trained, fit armed with sufficient munitions and armament to force the issue successfully, the end would be in sight. It takes a year at least to train a man for this work and teach him to take care of himself. It is the untrained man who sacrifices himself unnecessarily. When the big push comes we shall need as large or a larger force than that in the field ready in reserve to keep the ranks filled so as to push forward to a successful issue. If not and delay again occurs, the unnecessary wastage will again take place. Delay in coming forward to be trained is putting off the hour of victory, keeping our armies in the field for a longer periods than necessary, and costing the nations a toll of lives and money that might otherwise be avoidable.

What is in the Heart

I did not mean to write a sermon, but what is in the heart flows out of the pen. We are all keen on our jobs, confident of ultimate success, determined that there can be but one solution to the problem, but with open eyes, we face the question and see that we shall need men – trained men, and thousands more than we have in hand.

Remember me kindly to all my old Brantford friends who were so kind to us in the days of our organization, and with best wishes to yourself.

Very sincerely yours,
E.C. Ashton

BX December 24, 1915

“Prayers Must Be Backed Up With Deeds”

December 3, 1915

Colonel E.C. Ashton
Headquarters 9th Brigade,
West Sandling Camp
Shorncliffe, Eng

The Expositor,
Brantford, Canada

At Christmas time the great gospel of “Peace on Earth” is uppermost in the hearts of men, more particularly this year in the hearts of those who are far from home and loved ones, and in the hearts of those loved ones who have sent those they hold dearest to uphold the cause of justice and empire. Let us all pray for peace, but praying remember that a lasting peace can only come when right has prevailed and the great principles of Christianity has been vindicated. We who believe that we are championing the cause of freedom and truth against despotism and treachery must pure our souls of selfishness and self-righteousness, steel our hearts to endure and while praying to the God that giveth victory, ever remember that prayers must be backed up with deeds.

The God of battles will surely see that the right will prevail, but He will bring it to pass not by any miracle but by strengthening the hearts and arms of those whom He calls to be His agents.

Take heart and courage, life has much of beauty; Thousands will pray that Christmas Day will bring Peace to the hearts of those who did their duty, for Country, Home and King. With best wishes for a brighter and happier New Year.

Very sincerely yours
E.C. Ashton

BX January 5, 1915

Colonel Ashton to Command Regiment for Active Service – Popular Officer Receives Appointment – O.C. of the Thirty-Second Battery to go to England with the Third Contingent – Will Not be Leaving for Possibly Two or Three Months

Lieutenant Colonal E.C. Ashton, M.D., commanding officer of 32nd Battery Canadian Field Artillery, and late commanding officer of the 38th Regiment, Dufferin Rifles of Canada, has been offered and has accepted the command of one of the three Toronto division regiments which will go from the Toronto division with the Third Canadian Overseas Contingent. This was the announcement made here this morning, by Lieut.-Col. Ashton, prior to his departure for Toronto, where he will today confer with the higher authorities with regard to the new regiment. The headquarters of the regiment will be in Hamilton, and it is expected that Hamilton, Brantford, Dundas and St. Catharines regiments will contribute the men for it. The various units will first be instructed in their respective cities or towns and Col. Ashton will not likely take command for at least a couple of months, continuing his practice here in the meantime.

Lieut.-Col. E.C. Ashton has been connected with the military here for many years. He rose to be the commanding officer of the Dufferin Rifles, and one of the most popular who ever held that position. When his term as commanding officer expired, he was placed on the reserve of officers but he could not keep out of military affairs, and when the 32nd Battery was gazetted, he was appointed major, retaining, however, his infantry rank and precedence as lieutenant colonel.

He is one of the city’s best known physicians, a coroner, acted for a number of years with distinction on the public school board, retiring only this year, when the Board of Education goes into effect, and in many other ways has been of service to his city and country. Since taking over has sent forward far more men than though without guns or equipment, has sent forward far more men than the actual peace strength of the battery to the two Canadian contingents already organized, making by far the best record in the city in this respect.

Hundreds of friends will join in hearty congratulations to the colonel on his appointment, and it is expected that the recruiting for the new regiment will be greatly stimulated. Lieut.-Col. Ashton being very popular with all the men over whom he has in years past and at the present time, been in command.

To Star Enrollment

Enrollment of the allotment to be supplied by the 2nd Military Division to the Third Canadian Contingent will begin at once, acceding to orders received from Ottawa yesterday. It will consist of three battalions of infantry and two squadrons of cavalry. All will be enrolled from existing regiments and recruiting will be necessary only for filling up regiments thus depleted to peace strength.

One battalion will be formed from the Toronto regiments, the Q.O.R., 10th Royal Grenadiers, 48th Highlanders and 36th Peel Regiment. It is also likely that the new regiment, to be formed from the Home Guard, will be given a chance to supply a detachment. This battalion will have its headquarters at the armories, Toronto, the men sleeping at home and drilling at their headquarters. Col. C.F. Blick, of Cannington, will be in command.

Headquarters in Hamilton

The Second Battalion will have its headquarters in Hamilton, and will be commanded by Lieut.-Col. E.C. Ashton, of Brantford. No point has yet been selected for headquarters for the Third Battalion, which will be in command of Lieut.-Col. S.L. Penhorwood, but some centre in northern Ontario is likely to be chosen.

One squadron of the cavalry will be located in Toronto, the second in Hamilton. The Toronto squadron will be drawn from the G.G.B.G., and the 9th Mississauga Horse. Col. Gregory is in charge of recruiting for the cavalry.

For the present the men enrolled for the new bodies will remain at the headquarters of each contributing regiment, but it is most probable all will concentrate at Exhibition Camp when it is vacated by the present force.

BX August 18, 1956

Outstanding Military Man, Lt.-General E.C. Ashton Dies

A native of Brantford who had a long and distinguished military career, Lt.-Gen. Ernest Charles Ashton, C.M.G., died yesterday in Victoria, B.C., at the age of 82. He at one time was Chief of the General Staff.

General Ashton was born here on Oct. 28, 1973 the son of the Rev. Robert and Mrs. Alice C. (Turner) Ashton. He received his early education in Brantford, and then entered Trinity Medical College, University of Toronto. He was medalist and honors graduate in 1893 and practiced here as a physician and surgeon from 1901 to 1915.

Practiced Here

He took a deep interest in community life, and was active in the city’s public affairs. While practicing his profession in Brantford he served as alderman, and as a member of the public school board.

His outstanding military career covering a 48 year period began with his appointment, in January 1893 as a second lieutenant in the Dufferin Rifles. He rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and on January 8, 1907, he became the regiment’s commanding officer, a post he retained for the next five years. He was the “Duffs,” ninth commanding officer.

Prior to that, in 1908, he had organized the 25th Brant Dragoons, a county regiment of cavalry, with three squadrons – in Brantford, Burford and Paris. This regiment was reorganized in 1920 as the 10th Brant Dragoons.

In July 1913, he organized a new howitzer battery (the 32nd later the 54th) here, and was promoted to the rank of colonel in the militia in May, 1916.

During the First World War, General Ashton proceeded to England in command of the 36th Battalion, C.E.F., commanded the 9th Reserve Canadian Infantry Brigade and the Canadian Training Division at Shorncliffe. He was promoted to Brigadier-General in March 1917.

He also commanded the 15th Canadian Infantry Brigade, from April to November, 1917 when he was recalled for duty in Canada as adjutant-general.

His first appointment to the permanent staff of the Canadian Army was adjutant-general with the rank of major-general in 1918 which appointment he held until August 1920.

He was quartermaster-general from August, 1920 to December, 1929. From January, 1930 to May 1935, he commanded Military Districts 2 and 11 (Toronto and Victoria).

Chief of Staff

In 1936 he became chief of the General Staff, a post he held for three years before becoming inspector-general. With the exception of a few months on the reserve of officers, General Ashton had 48 years of continuous commissioned service in the Canadian military forces.

For his war services he was created a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, and his name was three times brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War, for valuable services rendered.

He was created a Companion of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath in the birthday honors list in commemoration of the completion of the 25th year of the reign of the late King George V.

General Ashton is survived by his widow, the former Helen M. Weir, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Weir, Brantford; a daughter, Mrs. Stephen Lloyd, in England, and a brother, Major Nelles Ashton, Grimsby.

Funeral service will be conducted Monday in Victoria.

BX August 20, 1956 - Editorial

General Ashton

Lieutenant-General E.C. Ashton, CMG, who died last Friday in Victoria, was, in many ways, the most outstanding of the many military men of Brantford who have risen through distinguished service to high rank in the Canadian Army. In the light of the record, that statement, in itself, implies a noteworthy tribute.

General Ashton was a soldier’s soldier, a man possessed from youth with a consuming interest in matters military, an interest which led, logically and enthusiastically, to his making the army his main career.

The success attending that choice is summarized in the obituary reference printed in this newspaper on Saturday. “From Subaltern to Chief of Staff” might have been the heading, for that is actually what Ernest Charles Ashton achieved in his long and eventful lifetime.

While yet a popular practicing physician in Brantford, Dr. Ashton (local men under his command in the First World War were apt to forget his military rank and affectionately call him “Doc”) early joined the Militia. To it he made marked contribution, notably through both the 25 Brant Dragoons, which he organized, and the old 38th Dufferin Rifles which he also commanded. With the coming of the First World War his decision to exchange the scalpel for the sword was made. His services in the Second World War outshone even those of the earlier conflict.

But it is his character as much as his accomplishments that attracted attention. His soldierly figure, forthright manner and demand for discipline suited him well. He said what he felt needed saying and without fear of consequences and his gift of expression could be both precise and forceful. Yet behind a rather stern exterior beat the proverbial kind heart and none knew it better than the officers and men who served under him. There was often a twinkle in the eyes that belied the lips, for General Ashton had a keen if distinctive sense of humor. Also he had a phenomenal memory for names and faces which would have stood him in remarkably good stead had he gone in for politics.

Both as doctor and officer he will be remembered here with high regard, while throughout the army, in particular, his services to his country will be appreciated as exemplary.

BX August 21, 1956

The funeral of Lieutenant-General E.C. Ashton, CMG, was conducted Monday at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Cedar Hill, Victoria, BC with interment in the churchyard. The Rev. Canon Frederick Pike officiate.

General Ashton, a native of Brantford, at one time a medical doctor here and commanding officer successively of the 25th Brant Dragoons and the 38th Dufferin Rifles, died at his Victoria residence last Friday at the age of 82.

He served as the Canadian Army’s quartermaster-general from 1920-1929 and was chief of the general staff from 1935 to 1938. He was inspector-general of militia from 1939 until his retirement in 1941 after 48 years in the army.