ASHFORD Arthur George

Arthur George was born to parents Henry William Ashford and Emily Amelia (nee Scott) on 22 August 1899. His war service commenced when he enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve where he was given the rank of Acting Leading Seaman. Although records are scant it appears that he served from 1917 until 1919 as records show that he migrated to Australia aboard the 'Beltana' which departed from London on 16th December 1919. He was 20 years of age on the passenger list and gave his occupation as a Forrester. His future wife Faith Mary Fletcher and her sister Edith V Fletcher also travelled aboard this ship en-route for Australia. Faith Mary was aged 18 years and gave her occupation as Clerkess (sic) while Edith, aged 25 years, was listed as an Assistant.

Arthur George and Faith Mary married at Burrowa, NSW in 1922 (bdm,nsw #10664). Following time spent at Beerburrum Soldier Settlement they appear on census records in 1934 as Banana farmers at Kandanga via Gympie. They were still Banana farming in the area when WW2 commenced as Arthur enlisted at Amamoor (Q209523) and without access to these records it is uncertain where he served. By 1972 they were living at Noosa Heads and later from 1977 until his death in 1983 at 8 Conrad Street, Nambour. Arthur died on 1 September 1983 at the age of 84 while Faith died on 13 July 1987 at the age of 87 years. Both are interred at Nambour Lawn Cemetery.

• Ashford,AG.docx Hits: 295 Size: 32 Kb