The Ashton Trophy

The Liverpool Scottish Museum Trust is the proud custodian of the Ashton Trophy, awarded each year to a member of the Liverpool Scottish Territorial Family

The trophy represents the friendship and service of two young men who met and served together, although both were very much under age , during The Great War of 1914 -1918. Barely seventeen years of age himself, Private Charles Norman Ashton took under his wing the even younger Private Harvey Mullen Watson. Private Ashton died on the 25th September 1918, from his wounds, received whilst the battalion was involved in the fighting in the area of Festubert and he now lies within the British Military Cemetery at Terlincthun, close to Boulogne, France where his grave was visited by representatives of The Liverpool Scottish in August 1998. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Debt of Honour entry for Charles Ashton may be found by clicking here.

The trophy is a result of a bequest made by Harley Watson, a frequent visitor to Forbes House in the 1970's and early 1980's. As a tribute to his friend, Harley Watson left instructions that a memorial, to take the form of an annual award, should be established with the following specific request.

He did not want the award to go to the best shot, the best attender, the best recruit or to the smartest soldier but rather to a category of Territorial soldier that is much more difficult to define.

The trophy was manufactured to a design of Major David Evans TD, the Museum's Hon. Secretary, and consists of a silver rose-bowl with a hardwood base which carries an enamelled and enhanced bonnet badge of the 10th (Scottish) Battalion, The King's (Liverpool Regt) together with plates which describe the nature of the award and friendship of Watson and Ashton. It was made by the Liverpool firm of F.A. Welch and Co.

The first holder of the trophy was Private David G. Wilde (1998) at the last Remembrance Sunday service at Forbes House and the second holder is C/Sgt Geoff Irvine (1999) to whom the award was made on Saturday 18th December at a Liverpool Scottish function in the Royal British Legion, Rodney Street, Liverpool.

After an interval of some years, the trophy has be awarded posthumously to Major David Evans TD for the year 2003.

Citation for the Award of the Ashton Trophy to Major David S Evans TD for the Year 2003

The print 'Dare to Be Different' originally presented to the Forbes Club (Jocks' Bar) at Forbes House by Lt Colonel (later Brigadier) Ian A Sim then CO of 1st Bn 51st Highland Volunteers.

David Evans joined the Liverpool Scottish in 1973, taking command of the HQ Platoon element of storemen, pay staff, clerks, drivers, mechanics, armourers, cooks and signallers. Always a popular platoon commander he fostered a spirit of comradeship amongst what had been a fairly separatist platoon within the Company.

During his service with the Liverpool Scottish, David became involved with the Regimental Museum and used his enthusiasm and considerable diplomacy to encourage its growth and development. An unquantifiable amount of effort and time was dedicated by David in the Museum's progress. In the early 1980's David took command of the HQ Company of Liverpool University Officers' Training Corps and during this time never ceased to promote the Liverpool Scottish, even to the extent of encouraging ex Liverpool Jocks to transfer to the OTC and use their considerable experience, rather than retire from TA service altogether.

Throughout David's service, with both the TA and LUOTC, he encouraged and promoted the Liverpool Scottish family, supporting all the activities that he could, despite illness and personal cost to himself.

David was the font of all knowledge relating to Liverpool Scottish matters and assisted all Company Commanders and regimental family members on Regimental matters. He committed his time to the greater good of the Liverpool Scottish family without seeking any reward and as such was greatly missed, following his death in 2002, by all who have served with the Liverpool Scottish.

Mrs. Jean Evans, David's widow, received the award at the Liverpool Scottish Officers' Association AGM in February 2005. A framed copy of the print 'Dare to Be Different' is presented as a permanent reminder, very appropriate in view of David's fondness for the print.

For the year 2004 the award has been made to Sgt Billy Jones. He received the award, together with his copy of 'Dare to Be Different' in November 2004, when Liverpool Scottish soldiers returning from Iraq (OP TELIC 4) met at the Museum. The citation for Sgt Jones is below

Sgt. Billy Jones has been nominated to receive the Ashton Trophy for the year 2004 because of his dedication to and support for the Liverpool Scottish family. Although he has had to contend with the numerous duties relating to his rôle as platoon sergeant of the Liverpool Scottish Rifle Platoon in A Company of the King's and Cheshire Regiment he has also willingly taken on duties specific to the Liverpool Scottish. He has endeavoured to maintain the Liverpool Scottish traditions within the Battalion, a task which has been made more difficult because of the split location of the serving Liverpool Scottish soldiers. and he has continued to maintain contact with all Liverpool Scottish personnel posted away from the battalion on other duties including those who have served in, or are serving in, Iraq on OP TELIC 2 or OP TELIC 4. As well as fostering the Liverpool Scottish spirit, he has also taken on the responsibility of liaising with the Liverpool Scottish regimental Association and the 'Old and Bold', encouraging soldiers to participate in joint functions in order that the traditions and aspirations of the Liverpool Scottish family are maintained.

Eric Fallon was nominated to receive the 2005 Ashton Trophy for over 60 years of service and dedication to the Liverpool Scottish Family. Eric first joined the Liverpool Scottish, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlander at the beginning of 1939. He joined Draft RBGWF for service overseas and embarked from Liverpool , in June 1942, for the Middle East . He was later posted from there to 5^th Camerons. Having been wounded, he was eventually medically discharged in 1944. Eric then became involved with the Executive Committee of the LS Regimental Association and was appointed Hon. Treasurer in 1975. He undertook this thankless role with his usual enthusiastic style until 1999. A great achievement by anyone’s standards. He has also undertaken the role of Trustee for the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Museum . Even now, in 2005, at the age of 85 he is still a committee member and a senior figure in the Liverpool Scottish family. Throughout his service with the Regimental Association Eric has supported his fellow members both morally, and financially. He was also a key figure in the establishment of the Regimental Association Pipe Band, back in 1987. He has continually strived to foster ‘Esprit De Corps’ between the Association and the serving element of the Liverpool Jocks. Even at his tender age, and with groaning bones, Eric was still seen in June of this year [2005] cheering on his ‘ Liverpool Jock’ comrades as they paraded through the streets of Erquinghem Sur Lys , Bois Grenier and Ypres .

Bob Davies was nominated to receive the 2006 Ashton Trophy for over 70 years dedicated service to the Liverpool Scottish family. Bob first joined the 10^th (Scottish) Bn. The King’s (Liverpool) Regiment in November 1935 and in 1937 this became the Liverpool Scottish Battalion, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders (TA). He was mobilised with the Liverpool Scottish on 1^st September 1939 . Bob attended the Divisional Pioneer Course in 1940 and was later posted to Special Training Centre volunteering for special service. He was then transferred to No. 5 Commando serving in the Falmouth area. Having moved to Dartmouth with No2 and No3 Troop he was posted to Wales to train the Lovat Scouts in rock climbing. Bob returned to the Commandos and then embarked on overseas active service taking part in the invasion of Madagascar . He also saw service in India and Ceylon , with No5 Commando eventually being disbanded in Hong Kong in 1946. Post war, Bob rejoined 1^st Bn The Liverpool Scottish QOCH serving in Y (Support) Company as Colour Sergeant. He then became an active member of the Regimental Association enthusiastically undertaking several committee roles. In addition to his committee work, Bob has been the Association's Standard Bearer and has given up hours of his time in attending the funerals of Regimental members and friends. In addition to funerals, Bob paraded the Standard at the Veterans' Day, in London , last year (2005). He continues to be an avid supporter of the Regimental family, taking particular interest in the Liverpool Scottish serving soldiers of today.

In almost 50 years of association with the Liverpool Scottish few men could be described as filling the demanding criteria of the Ashton Trophy more completely than Freddie Bates. In 1967, when the 1^st Battalion The Liverpool Scottish was removed from the British Army’s Order of Battle, he was one of the select band of men who were the bedrock of the newly-independent ‘V’ (The Liverpool Scottish) Company. Since that time, both as a serving NCO and Warrant Officer and, later, as an active member of the Regimental Association, Freddie has given an example of total commitment to the ‘family’ of the Liverpool Scottish. In recent years, despite considerable discomfort associated with deteriorating health, his commitment has remained undiminished and he has continued to render the most valuable service to the Association as Treasurer. The unsung commitment to his comrades and the Regimental Pride which Freddie Bates has displayed over almost half a century were just the sort of qualities that Harley Watson had in mind when he framed the conditions for his memorial. Therefore, it is with respect and sincere gratitude for his contribution to the Regimental ‘family’ over a considerable number of years, that Freddie Bates is awarded the Ashton Trophy.

Colonel Bryson has been nominated to receive the 2008 Ashton Trophy for his dedication to and support of the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Family. Although never having served with the Scottish Col. Paddy has strong family links in that his father-in-law and uncle, on his wife’s side, served and fought with the Regiment during the First World War. His personal association with us goes back over 30 years being a much loved and admired friend of both the Officers’ Association and the Regimental Association. He is held in great esteem by all Liverpool Jocks. Col. Paddy has also enthusiastically supported the Regimental Family as Life President of the North West Royal British Legion, in that without his support the Liverpool Scottish would not enjoy their independence on Remembrance Sunday whereby they are the first Association to take post on St. George’s plateau and the last to march off, on both occasions accompanied by the Pipes and Drums. Col. Paddy was also extremely active in assisting the Regimental Museum find alternative accommodation when they had to vacate Forbes House. An ardent supporter of the Associations’ Reunion Dinner Col. Paddy, now in his 90’s, makes every effort to attend. The only times he has been absent have been due to illness and once on the 75^th Anniversary Dinner, in 2005, he had to deputise for the Lord Lieutenant at a function at the Town Hall as the Lord Lieutenant was himself attending the Reunion Dinner.

The Reverend John Williams (also known as 'Father John') has been nominated to receive the 2009 Ashton Trophy for his dedication to and support of the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Family. Although never having served with the Scottish, being more of a ‘Jack’ than a ‘Jock’, Father John has had a long association with the Regimental Family, being an Honorary Member of both the Officers’ and Regimental Associations. His first contact with the Liverpool Scottish was when he conducted our Remembrance Day Services at Forbes House, Score Lane. However, it is his involvement with and unstinting support of our bereaved and troubled families, giving willingly of his time and experiences, which has endeared him to us all. Father John is also an ardent supporter of the Associations’ Reunion Dinner making every effort to attend and continues to conduct our Hooge Day Service with poignant and inspiring words.He is held in great esteem by all Liverpool Jocks.

Mick Molyneux originally joined the TA in 1957, having missed the last call up for National Service. He joined the Royal Artillery. In 1960 he, along with two others, transferred from the Artillery, into the 1^st Battalion Liverpool Scottish and immediately became an active member of the Battalion boxing team. Throughout his career with both the 1^st Battalion and lately the 51^st Highland Volunteers he was an integral member of the boxing team, representing both the Scottish and the TA. This culminated in him being awarded the BEM [British Empire Medal]. Mick’s career included the Anti Tank Platoon, being qualified A/Tank Grade 1, the Mortar Platoon and Regimental Police, eventually holding the post of Provost Sergeant. In the early 1970’s Mick was seconded onto the committee of the Regimental Association eventually becoming its chairman for 5 years, before handing over to the present chairman. Mick continues to serve on the committee today. Throughout his service with the Scottish and the Regimental Association he has actively promoted the Liverpool Scottish to the military community, helping to keep them in the limelight, especially with the Battalion’s Permanent Staff. He has been generous in his support of ex Liverpool Jocks and boxers who have experienced hard times. Mick has also supported the wider military community by joining various Associations and attending fund raising functions. With his genial nature, diplomacy and energy he is recognised as an outstanding ambassador for the Liverpool Scottish. Mick is committed to supporting the Liverpool Scottish, both past and present, and continues to contribute much of his time, especially in support of the families of Liverpool Jocks who have passed away. Throughout his long connection with the Liverpool Scottish Mick has been a shining example of all that is best in the TA soldier: smartness, loyalty, unselfish commitment and an unshakeable sense of humour.