Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Polderhoek’ M.C. group of three awarded to Captain E. N. Ashe, Manchester Regiment, who was later killed in action at the heroic Battle of Manchester Hill, 21 March 1918 - out of a force of 8 officers and 160 men tasked with stemming the German advance just 2 officers and 15 other ranks survived.

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse privately engraved ‘Capt. E. Neville Ashe, 16 Manch. Reg. Polderhoek, Dec. 28th. 1917.’; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. E. N. Ashe.), BWM with officially re-impressed naming, good very fine (3)
£700-900

M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1918.

Edward Neville Ashe was born in Hale, Cheshire, in 1893 and was educated at Repton School, Derbyshire. Commissioned into the 8th (Territorial) Battalion, Manchester Regiment in 1915, he served with the 16th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 9 January 1917. ‘In July 1917 he took part in the third Battle of Ypres, when he was slightly wounded, and recommended for the Military Cross; and in December, while temporarily in command of the Battalion, he was again wounded, but remained at duty until the battalion was relieved. Afterwards he was mentioned for gallant conduct in the field.’ (Altrincham Guardian, 12 July 1918 refers).

Awarded an Immediate Military Cross for his gallantry at Polderhoek on the 28 December 1917, Ashe commanded “A” Company at the Battle of Manchester Hill, 21 March 1918. Ordered to defend the Hill to the last against an overwhelming enemy force the Battalion was virtually wiped out - of the 8 officers and 160 men who went into action just two Officers and 15 other ranks survived. For his conspicuous valour, the Battalion’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Wilfrith Elstob, D.S.O., M.C., was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross, his citation giving an accurate portrayal as to the events of the day:
‘For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and self-sacrifice during operations at Manchester Redoubt, near St. Quentin, on the 21st March, 1918. During the preliminary bombardment he encouraged his men in the posts in the Redoubt by frequent visits, and when repeated attacks developed controlled the defence at the points threatened, giving personal support with revolver, rifle and bombs. Single-handed he repulsed one bombing assault driving back the enemy and inflicting severe casualties. Later, when ammunition was required, he made several journeys under severe fire in order to replenish the supply. Throughout the day Lieutenant-Colonel Elstob, although twice wounded, showed the most fearless disregard of his own safety, and by his encouragement and noble example inspired his command to the fullest degree. The Manchester Redoubt was surrounded in the first wave of the enemy attack, but by means of the buried cable Lieutenant-Colonel Elstob was able to assure his Brigade Commander that "The Manchester Regiment will defend Manchester Hill to the last." Sometime after this post was overcome by vastly superior forces, and this very gallant officer was killed in the final assault, having maintained to the end the duty which he had impressed on his men - namely, "Here we fight, and here we die." He set throughout the highest example of valour, determination, endurance and fine soldierly bearing.’ London Gazette 9 June 1919 refers).

The defence of Manchester Hill had delayed and disrupted the German advance, and as such the men had achieved all that was hoped of them. Ashe was one of those killed in action; he has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial, France.

Sold together with various copied research and a photographic image of the recipient.