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Cyril Garfield John ASHMEAD was born in 1892 in Winton, Benalla, Victoria

His parents were Joseph William ASHMEAD and Mary Jane WILLIAMS

He had obtained his Junior Cadets Training Certificate & also served in the Senior Cadets for 6 months when he enlisted on 27th March, 1916 with the Australian Army - he was with the 37th Battalion - Unit embarked from Melbourne on RMS Orontes on 16th August, 1916 

He was recommended for a Military Cross on 24th June 1918 & again on 16th August, 1918 (see attached story for details)

Cyril was Killed in Action on 30th August, 1918 in France from a shot from an enemy rifle bullet during an operation for the capture of a ridge east of Clery Sur, Somme, France - he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Australian National Memorial at Villers Bretonneux and the Australian War memorial

He was awarded the Military Cross, British War Medal and the Victory Medal 

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Wangaratta Chronicle Victoria - 14th September, 1918

NEWS OF SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION.

Lieutenant C. G. ASHMEAD.  Word reached Glenrowan on Wednesday that Lieut. Cyril Ashmead, third eldest son of Mr. & Mrs. J.W. Ashmead "Bourne Bank" North Winton had been killed in action in France whilst serving with the Australians. Lieut. Ashmead was attached to the 37th Battalion. 

General regret was expressed locally where his parents & family are well known and the parents & family have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement.

Before enlisting, Lieut. Ashmead was employed as head teacher at Gundowring State School.  The school flag and the town flag were flown at half mast out of respect to the memory of the deceased.

Killed in action on the 30th of August, 1918, Lieutenant Cyril G. J. Ashmead, third son of Mr. J. W. Ashmead, of Winton North, Victoria, and head teacher of School 1159, Gundowring, near Yackan-dandah.

He was born in 1895, and, after completing his elementary education at School 1673, Winton North, he attended the Wangaratta High School in 1908-09.

In 1910, he was appointed junior teacher at Beechworth. After serving there for three years, he received his first appointment, to Gundowring, and from there enlisted for active service.

As a teacher, he showed more than ordinary ability, and endeared himself to the hearts of those with whom he came in contact. "He was," says Mr. Inspector Armitage, "an honest, upright, sterling lad, who was growing into a good, straight man! The little Gundowring School became a beauty spot while in his charge, and the children made very good progress."

When in the Seymour Camp, his ability was soon recognized, and he was sent to the N.C.O. School at Geelong for a five weeks' course. He then embarked for England on 16th August, 1916, and crossed to France on 21st November of the same year. He immediately entered the trenches, and, after two months' fighting, was attached to the Headquarters Staff. He won his commission in June, 1916, and fought in many fierce engagements.

He was a noted raid-leader, being mentioned in dispatches for some of his daring exploits. He was congratulated by the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Australian Division for gallant conduct during a raid on the night of the 21st of July, 1918.

The following is an extract from the London Gazette, describing the deed for which he was awarded the Military Cross:
"For conspicuous gallantry during an attack. When his platoon was checked by heavy machine-gun fire, he went forward and personally led the attack, encouraging his men to press on, and showing great coolness and power of command at a critical time. Later, he brought in three wounded officers who were lying out in front of his platoon."

The following is an extract from a letter dated 25th June, 1918, writen by Captain Allen to his father:
"Lieutenant Ashmead has just walked in. He has done wonderful work, and with a small party of only nine men, mopped up fifty Boches, many of whom he accounted for single-handed. He is an enormous fellow, with a determined jaw, and full of physical strength. The story of his wonderful rush up No Man's Land with the Huns running before him is on every tongue in the Brigade."

Source: The Education Department's Record of War Service, Victoria, 1914-1919.