John Ashworth died of wounds on this day in 1918

John Ashworth was born in Burnley in 1898, the son of Joseph and Margaret Ashworth.

At the 1901 Census, the family comprised: sons Frank (4) and John (2), living on Woodhouse St, Burnley. Both mother and father were working at the local mill. Mother-in-law and sister-in-law lived with the family.

At the time of the April 1911 Census, and still only 12, John was a part time weaver at the mill whilst still attending school. With four younger siblings, ages 5,3 and 1, his mother was at home while the older boys worked at the mill.

John enlisted in the East Lancashire Regiment in January 1916 on his 18th birthday. He went out to Salonica in late December 1917. 

On 18 September 1918, the second Battle of Doiran commenced. The Battalion took part in an almost suicidal frontal attack on the morning of the 19th. John was injured and died of his wounds later that day. 

He is buried in Karasouli Military Cemetery.

John's older brother Frank Ashworth, 3260 RFA, had died 'of disease' earlier in the same year, on 31 May 1918.

9/37152 Pte John Ashworth, 9th (Service) Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment