A Battle of Anzio Beachhead MM group to Cpl Ashton Middlesex Regt / Held off the enemy for 24 hours

GVI Military Medal correctly impressed 6206692 Cpl. F. Ashton, Middx. R.

GVI Efficiency Medal correctly impressed 6206692 Cpl. F. Ashton, M.M.

 

Condition GVF

 

Sold with a boxing medal and research papers.

 

Frank Aston was born in 1920 in Burnley, Lancashire. He joined the 2/7th Bn Middlesex regt in April 1939 as a territorial. He first served in North Africa in May 1943 and then went on to serve in the Italian campaign, taking part in the Battle of Anzio. 

 

His Military Medal was announced in the London Gazette on 15 June 1944.  He was first recommended for an immediate DCM, downgraded to the MM. His citation is as follows;

 

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Carrocceto in the Anzio beachhead.

 

Throughout the night of 3-4 February 1944, this N.C.O., who was acting as No. 1 gun number in the Machine-Gun Platoon, continually engaged opportunity targets and by so doing, kept the enemy on the move and prevented his forming up for the attack. On two occasions, the skilful way in which he directed his fire halted enemy attempts to advance.

 

After first light he concentrated on enemy M.G. posts which had been established during darkness, accounting for six, and later for a further two.

 

From 1030 hours onwards his platoon was isolated from other troops, and his gun was in a very exposed position, and when his section commander became a casualty, he assumed command, at the same time continuing to fire his gun.

 

By 1400 hours his ammunition was practically exhausted, and he then engaged the enemy with a rifle, and when his platoon was withdrawn at 1830 hours, he was the last man to leave the position.

 

For about 24 hours he had kept his gun in action under very heavy small arms and artillery fire, and during this time his accurate and skilfully directed fire inflicted severe casualties on the enemy.

 

His behaviour was exemplary, and he showed complete disregard for his personal safety.'

 

Ashton badly wounded by shrapnel on 23 February 1944, and took until August to recover. 

 

He recovered and returned to England in 1946 after serving in Egypt and Palestine.