SAPPER ROY SHAW
469 – Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company
Roy Shaw was born in Launceston, Tasmania on May 8, 1895 the son of Henry and Elizabeth Helen (nee Rawson) Shaw. Military training was gained with the 92nd Battery. When he was about sixteen years of age the following tragedy happened and was reported in the:
At twenty years of age he applied to enlist for active service abroad on March 16, 1916. Two days previously he received both his parents’ signatures of consent for his to join the A.I.F. as he was underage. Personal particulars taken show he was a chauffeur and was 168cms (5ft 6ins) tall, weighed 50.9kgs (112lbs) with a chest expansion of 76-85cms (30-33½ins). His blue eyes tested to good vision with a fair complexion and medium coloured hair. It was noted that his right clavicle was fractured. Church of England was his religious faith. Next-of-kin was his father Henry Shaw of 22 Stone Street, Launceston, Tasmania.
He passed the medical examination the following day at Claremont camp and signed and took the ‘Oath of Enlistment’ there. Basic training began until he was allotted to the Cyclist Company Reinforcements on April 17, 1916. The Tasmanian Reinforcements proceeded to Sydney. His regimental number was 469 in the rank of Private. While preparing to embark for England the following article was published in the:
The Cyclist Company Reinforcements embarked from Sydney (2nd Military District) on August 22, 1916 and reached Plymouth, England on October 12, 1916. The men marched into the No. 3 Command Depot at taken on strength the following day. On November 8, 1916 they moved to the Cyclists’ Training Battalion at Chisledon.
Disciplinary action was given for the following:
Offence:Absent from Midnight 22/11/16 to 7.34 a.m. 23/11/16
Award:3 days C.B. [confined to barracks] by Lt O’Grady 23/11/16
Forfeiture:1 day’s pay
He went sick to the Military Hospital at Chisledon on April 14, 1917 with German measles and returned to his unit on May 1, 1917.
On May 25, 1917 he was attached to the Engineers’ Training Depot at Brightlingsea.
The men proceeded overseas from Folkstone to France on August 4, 1917 marching into the Aust General Base Depot in Rouelles two days later.
With his civil qualifications of chauffeur his service would be more beneficial to the work of the Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company therefore was taken on Supernumerary strength with this company on September 3, 1917 and attached for duty.
He was issued with Blue Chevrons to wear on his uniform for serving twelve months abroad. Counted in an audit of the company he was marked ‘still attached’ on May 9, 1918. On June 19, 1918 he was taken on strength with the company.
He went sick on November 1, 1918 and admitted to the 12th Stationary Hospital with Pyrexia (fever) and was there when Peace was announced. Two days later on November 13, he rejoined his unit.
The company remained on the front continuing to generate electricity and supply and service small engines and pumps for water supplies for those rehabilitating their districts.
Leave was taken from December 25, 1918 to January 8, 1919.
Orders were received to report to the Base Depot to prepare for demobilisation to England and they departed France on April 28, 1919 crossing the English Channel and arrived the following day at the Reserve Brigade Aust Artillery camp to await their voyage home.
Sergeant E.G. ‘Hughie’ Dodd was also a member of the company and kept a diary of work and fellow soldiers. The following is his entry describing their departure:
June 16 [1919]
Bill Davies, Lieut. Norfolk, with about 40 men of the Coy marched out with 37 Quota at 6 this morning for Devonport, sailing at 4 o'clock this afternoon by the Ormonde.
The H.T. Ormonde embarked on June 16, 1919 for Australia. Base Records advised his parents on July 17, 1919 that he was returning home. The ship docked in Melbourne, Vic (3rd M.D.) on August 1, 1919 and he returned to Tasmania disembarking on August 4, 1919. Military Discharge was issued in Hobart, Tas (6th M.D.) on September 26, 1919 on termination of his period of enlistment.
Anglesea Barracks, Hobart advised Base Records on October 14, 1919 that he had been demobilised and discharged and attached medical documents. On February 8, 1920 his Will was forwarded for filing at the 6th Military District and a Form was returned to the Brigade Major, 23rd Brigade, Launceston stating his war service.
The British War Medal (5969) and the Victory Medal (5719) were issued to Sapper 469 Roy Shaw, Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company for serving his country.
In 1922 he was residing at 22 Stone Street, Launceston working as a chauffeur. The following accidents were reported in the:
In 1928 he and his wife Margaret Jean Shaw were residing at 37 Bourke Street, Launceston and he was a motor hirer. Two advertisements were published in the:
In 1936 he was a ranger and they were living at Racecourse crescent and in 1943 he was at the Rifle Range, 301 Sandy Bay Road and worked as the Range Superintendent. He competed in numerous shooting competitions with success during the years.
The following article appeared in the:
From 1949 onwards they are recorded living at 63 Bell Street, New Town, Hobart and was a superintendent. The War Service Homes Division in Hobart wrote to Base Records on November 26, 1952 requesting assistance with information regarding his war service to enable eligibility. Records replied on December 4, 1952.
Roy Shaw passed away aged 67 years on February 6, 1963 in New Town, Hobart, Tas. Cremation took place and his ashes were placed in Derwent Gardens Cemetery in Section 5 of the Aust Imperial Forces Arch in site no. 3G.
© Donna Baldey 2014