Robert P Ashcroft

41st Reinforcements H Company, New Zealand Expeditionary Force

9 October 1898 - 10 May 1965


Robert was the son of my Great Aunt Elsie.


I have researched the following information about Robert 
from his military records and other related texts. 
I have endeavored to record the story of his 
involvement in the war as accurately as possible. 


Robert is the son of Robert Snr and Elsie Ashcroft. He was born in Dannevirke on 9 October 1898 and was known as Bert.

The Ashcroft family. From left: Robert Jnr, Robert Snr,
Harold, Eric (back), Dorothy (front), Elsie, and Joseph.
Date unknown, but likely to be around 1910.
(Photo courtesy of J Ashcroft.)

The Ashcroft family. From left: Harold, Esie, Eric,
Dorothy, Robert (Bert), Robert Snr, Joseph
Date unknown, but possibly 1915.
(Photo courtesy of J Ashcroft.)

Bert was a farmer in Arapae in the King Country prior to enlisting for war. He embarked on the ship Ulimaroa on 27 July 1918 which was bound for England. His older brother Eric, also served during World War 1.

Bert served as a private for just over one year, and fortunately, never saw active service. He was discharged from service at the conclusion of the war. 

Bert married English-born, Alice B Broome (known as Betty) in 1921. They had three daughters: 

  • Elwyn Joy Oudney (7 Feb 1923 - 15 July 1994). Elwyn married John Henderson Oudney (11 Nov 1917 - 19 Aug 1997). They had one son, J. P. Oudney.
  • Hazel Rae Ashcroft (13 Mar 1927 - Jan 2013). Hazel was born in Australia, and died in Auckland.
  • Valerie Ashcroft (who was adopted out) 
Bert and Alice lived at 6 Great South Road, Manurewa when he passed away. Bert was buried at the Papatoetoe Cemetery, Puhinui Road, RETUR, Plot 464. Alice died 23 May 1981 and is buried with her husband.


Sources
Auckland War Memorial Museum Online Cenotaph - Cenotaph Record
Archives New Zealand: Archway - Military Record
WikiTree
Geni
J & E Oudney


Last updated 28 June 2020

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