No.42470, Private, John William SHAW
Aged 23
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John William Shaw was born in Soham (Newmarket Q2-1895 3B:541), son of Benjamin and Sarah Ann SHAW (née MODEN).
1901 census...Aged 5, he was at Padney Cottage, Wicken, with his father Benjamin SHAW [30] horsekeeper on farm, born Soham; his mother Sarah Ann [29] born Little Thetford; brother Henry Thomas [4] born Soham; sisters Flora Sarah [3] born Soham and Grace Dora [11 months] born Little Thetford. 1911 census...Aged 15, farm labourer, he was at Priory Farm, Burwell with his parents (father - cattleman); sisters Flora, Grace and Mary [2] born Burwell; brothers Henry (farm labourer), Arthur [8] born Wicken, Benjamin [6] and George [9 months] both born in Burwell. One of the siblings had died. |
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He enlisted in Newmarket. Initially in the 8th Suffolk, he was transferred to the 2nd/6th South Staffs before joining the 1st/5th South Staffs.
His unit had several die at Casualty Clearing stations in the Bethune area at that time, but in which battle has not been established. In May 1918, the 6th and 22nd Clearing Stations arrived in Pernes, and in August they were joined by the 13th C.C.S. |
Most probably of John, these photographs were entrusted to the Burwell Museum on the death of his brothers and sisters
Apparently when John was in the Suffolk Regiment
photo: Rodney Gibson photo: Rodney Gibson
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details