Lives Remembered: Treasures and Tales from Ashtead
A collection of artefacts, memorabilia and historical objects that each reveal some of the rich stories, notable lives and lasting legacies connected with St Giles' Church.
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Known to all as 'Smiler', he was a First World War Veteran and lived in Agates Lane from 1940 until he died in 2005 aged 108.
He had learned to ride at the age of six, won a riding competition aged eighty-five, and continued riding until his late nineties, and sometimes even brought his horse to church! Lying about his age, he had joined the Essex Yeomanry in 1915. Such was the pace of change in the First World War that whilst he started as a cavalryman, he ended it as a machine gunner. He was the last surviving British cavalryman; their job was to break through the enemy lines and to hold the position until the infantry arrived. He was the last survivor of the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and was a holder of the Légion d'honneur.
On his and his wife's grave, it says "N. M. G. T. T.". This stands for Nearer My God To Thee, which was Smiler's favourite hymn. It was taught to him by his Sunday school teacher, who lost his life on the Titanic. Coincidentally, in St Giles' church is a plaque in memory of George Harry Hunt, who died on the Titanic. The plaque reads "To the glory of God and sacred to the memory of George Harry Hunt of this Parish. A passenger on the ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic which was lost April 15th 1912. Aged 34 years. 'Nearer my God to thee'". Smiler sang this hymn when, following a shell blast, he was trapped in the thick mud and couldn't move. He was found and rescued, but two friends with him were lost in the mud and never seen again. -
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Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
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Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
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