Lionel Forbes Ashburner
Lionel Forbes Ashburner was commissioned on 16 January 1895, whereupon he found himself on the Unattached List. This unprepossessing start was unrepresentative of what was an interesting and unusual pre-war career. In March 1896 he transferred to the Indian Staff Corps. This was usually the prelude to a lifetime career in the Indian Army, but within two months Ashburner was back in the British Army as a subaltern in the Durham Light Infantry. He remained with the DLI for five years before making his final transfer to the Royal Fusiliers.
He served throughout the South African War (1899-1902), winning a DSO and three times being mentioned in despatches. This was the start of his professional ascent. He was Adjutant 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers (1906-7), passed Staff College (1909) and Brigade Major Nasirabad Brigade, 5th (Mhow) Division (1909-13).
When the European War broke out he was OC ‘C’ Company 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. He served with this battalion on the Western Front until December 1914 when he went home to become Brigade Major 102nd Brigade, 34th Division, then forming. Trained staff officers were at a premium in 1914. Ashburner’s appointment represents a rational use of limited resources. In February 1914 he transferred to 34th Brigade, 11th (Northern) Division, again as Brigade Major.
He served with 34th Brigade at home and on the Gallipoli peninsula until his transfer to 1st Australian Division as GSO2 in September. Ashburner remained with the Australians until August 1916, by which time they had re-deployed to France. On 4 December 1916 he was given command of 96th Brigade, 32nd Division. He was 42 and had never commanded a battalion.
Ashburner commanded 96th Brigade until August 1917 when he went home for reasons that remain obscure. Three months later he was appointed Inspector of the Territorial Force, a post he held until October 1918. After the Armistice he was given another brigade command as GOC 142nd Brigade. He was GSO1 5th (Indian) Division (May 1920-Februrary 1921) and CO 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers from February 1921 until his death, in post, on 19 January 1923.
Lieutenant-Colonel Ashburner was five times mentioned in despatches during the Great War.