Ernest Goulden Ashton
Ernest Goulden Ashton ( -1934)
1934 Obituary [1]
ERNEST GOULDEN ASHTON was leading draughtsman to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, and was responsible for the design of the whole of the hydraulic equipment for operating the lock gates, sluice paddles, capstans, and footbridges of the Gladstone Dock, Liverpool. In addition he designed the machinery for two swing bridges of 640 and 730 tons deadweight, and a number of coal hoists, conveyers, and other accessories.
He was born in Manchester and received his technical education at Widnes Technical School and Liverpool Central Technical School.
In 1903 he became an apprentice in the works of the Widnes Foundry Company, Ltd., and served in the shops and drawing office till 1909, when he worked for a brief period at Stockton on Tees as a draughtsman with Messrs. Ashmore, Benson, Pease and Company.
He returned to the Widnes Foundry Company in 1910 and for the next four years was engaged as a draughtsman by various well-known firms.
He then became chief draughtsman and designer to Mr. Archibald Leitch, M.I.Mech.E., of Westminster, and in the following year was appointed to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.
In 1916, however, he enlisted, and was engaged on active service in France and Belgium, being transferred to the Rhine after the Armistice.
He resumed his duties in Liverpool in 1919 and was appointed leading draughtsman in 1925. He also acted as resident engineer on new works.
Mr. Ashton was elected an Associate Member of the Institution in 1931, and was also an Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
His death occurred on 27th December 1934, in his forty-seventh year.