Ashcroft, Basil Davey, 1886-1913

War Service

ASHCROFT, Basil Davey, Clerk in Holy Orders, born Dunedin, 11 Jul 1886, religion C of E. Last address: Tinui, Masterton.

Next of kin: Mrs H B Ashcroft (Mother), Wanganui.

Served in 17th Reinforcements, N.Z.E.F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd NZ Rifle Brigade as Rev. Capt. Ashcroft, Chaplain 4th class.

Reported for duty on 10 Sep 1916; served in NZ for 41 days, overseas 2 years and 205 days. Total service 2 years 246 days.

Served in Western Europe 1917-19

Discharged on 13 May 1919. 

Marriage

On 7 April 1920 he was married to Evelyn Mary Meredith Whitehead, in St Matthew's Church, Masterton.

ASHCROFT--WHITEHEAD

"A pretty wedding was solemnised at St. Matthew's Church, Masterton, yesterday morning, when His Lordship the Bishop of Wellington (Right Rev. Dr Sprott, D.D.), assisted by the vicar (Rev. John Walker, M.A., ) joined in the bonds of holy matrimony Miss Evelyn M. Whitehead, elder daughter of the late Dr. Whitehead, of Petone, and Mrs Whitehead, of Masterton, to the Rev. Basil Davey Ashcroft, youngest son of Mrs H.B. Ashcroft, of Wanganui. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr Arthur Tyrell Whitehead, wore a beautiful gown of white silk, trimmed with old lace.

Miss Alma Evans, of Wellington, and Miss Phyllis Tatham, of Homewood, attended as bridesmaids, and wore dainty lavender and cream frocks, and carried bouquets to match.

Mr Paul Kummer, of Kummerstein, was best man.

The church was artistically decorated by the Old Girls of St Matthew's, of which school Miss Whitehead was at one time principal.

After the ceremony the guests assembled in the large marquee erected on the lawn of Mr R.C. Bell's residence, Jean street, and partook of a dainty wedding breakfast.

The happy couple left later for Wellington...

Wairarapa Age, 8 April 1920, page 2