Son of Albert Edward and Emmeline Lucy Ashcroft, of Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.

"Left school for his home in Canada, where his father placed him on a ranch, as he was suffering from indifferent health. There he remained until he was old enough to enlist, doing all in his power to learn what he could in connection with military training. He eventually left for England in a Canadian regiment, and was killed on April 9th, 1917, when the Canadians were alloted the task of taking Vimy Ridge. He was sent out as a member of an advance party to destroy some machine gun emplacements before the main advance could take place. During his two years at School he showed much public spirit and was a promising athlete." (In Memoriam, 1914-1918 [Wanganui Collegiate School]) AWMM