Ambrose Binks Firby was born in 1880 at Aycliffe. His parents were Ambrose Ambrose and Elizabeth Waistell, both born in Hudswell, Yorkshire. Ambrose senior was a hay dealer.

He served in the Durham Light Infantry, 39673, and the 4th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 36005. He lived at Town End Farm, Brafferton when he died 19 August, 1958. His wife was Rebecca Light, whom he married in 1903. Rebecca was born in Aycliffe.

In the 1911 census they were at 5, Field Street, Darlington. They had had two children, one of whom had died. The surviving child was John Waistell Firby.

Ambrose was captured at some stage and became a prisoner of war. He attended the 'Welcome Home Dinner Concert and Dance' for repatriated prisoners of war held at the Temperance Hall, Darlington, May 7, 1919. His address was Brafferton Mill.

Ambrose is the grandfather of Beattie Futter of Brafferton.