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Ashley Watterson McGain

Manx National Heritage

Intro

Museum's Description
- This is a photo of Ashley Watterson McGain who was from Port Erin, a village on the Isle of Man. He was an officer in the First World War. Thanks to a touching letter he wrote to his parents we know that he believed strongly that Britain's involvement in the war was right and was determined to do his duty.
  
  Sadly, he was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest battles in history.
- Ashley Watterson McGain was from Port Erin, and had been educated at King William's College. He was commissioned as an officer in the 11th battalion Suffolk Regiment. McGain's battalion went into action on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, on which the British Army suffered disastrous casualties. McGain was among them, being killed in action at the age of 23. He left behind a poignant letter for his parents, in which he outlined his belief in the justice ofBritain's cause in the war, and his determination to do his duty.