GUNNER
MARK ANTHONY ASHFORD

Mark Anthony (Joe) Ashford was murdered by the Irish gangsters on Saturday 17th January 1976 as he stood on point duty at India One in Londonderry. He was shot in his head and died instantly, he was a week older than 19.

Mark volunteered for service with 42nd regiment from his parent Regiment - the 24th. He came to us in August full of enthusiasm for the difficult task that lay ahead and this enthusiasm he never lost. he worked hard and conscientiously at his onerous duties and always applied remarkable knack of getting people to talk: one of the most valuable assets in the difficult circumstances of operating in Northern Ireland.
He regarded everyone alike, be they Englishmen, Irishmen, Protestant or Catholic Ironically he was a Roman Catholic himself........

We will remember his Bulky figure, we will remember his cheerful manner, we will remember his enquiring mind and his engaging personality, we will remember him always...........

Shortly before his death Mark became engaged to Miss Margaret Giff, who lives just outside Londonderry, they were to me Married on the 27th March.
To his Fiance and to his Parents and to his Brothers, we send our deepest Sympathy and Sorrow


If anyone wants to pay their respects.Mark is buried in Kensal Green cemetery London