Memories of those killed during WW 2 are often well documented. Such is the case for Corporal Clarence Howard Foster Shaw of Moose Jaw (#L7675, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps).
The Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial and the Canadian Virtual War Memorial contain information, as does the old Moose Jaw Times Herald.
This story that ran in the Moose Jaw Times Herald, on Monday June 1, 1942
“Corporal C.H.F. Shaw Died of Injuries Received in England"
“Advice has reached the city (Moose Jaw) of the death of Corporal Clarence H. F. Shaw in England, from injuries received in the performance of his duties in the motor cycle corps of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, in which he had served overseas since February 1940."
“The deceased, who was educated at Prince Arthur School and the Technical High School, spent the whole of his life in Moose Jaw up until the time that he enlisted for active service. He was formerly a life guard at the Natatorium and was 27 years of age at his passing."
“He is survived by his widow (Mrs. Jean Ruth Shaw), two small daughters, the Misses Reta Mae Shaw and Clarice Betty Shaw; his mother, Mrs. Minnie Shaw, and one sister, Mrs. Evelyn Jones.”
He was living at 469 Stadacona Street East when he enlisted. At the time of his death the family was living at 428 Athabasca Street East, Moose Jaw. The reason is not known but families often ‘doubled-up’ during the war to save money and ‘make ends meet.’
The SVWM adds that he had been a member of the “King’s Own Rifles” in Moose Jaw and was killed when struck by a machine gun bullet(s) while on exercise at Old Mill House, Bolney, Sussex, England. Although the death was considered accidental, “Sergeant R. W. Armstrong was charged in the case”.
They add, Clarence “… was working as a welder and machinist when he enlisted.”
Clarence on his Motorcycle in England, about 1941. The motorcycle is not a Harley. It may be a BSA M20? Or it could be a Norton? Any ideas? Clarence was assigned to the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, 64 General Transport Company.
As Sharon Adams wrote in the December 8, 2018 issue of the Legion Magazine, “Although Norton and Harley-Davidson motorcycles were the customary ride, Canadians serving in theatres around the world also used Triumphs, Enfields, BSAs, Indians, Clynos, Ariels, Welbikes, and even the odd captured BMW.”
Within his file at CVWM is a reference to Lieutenant Aimers Stirling Bertram, who died of his wounds on July 10, 1917 and is buried in the same Brookwood cemetery in Surrey. He was the son of Henry and Jennie Bertram of Dundas, Ontario.
One assumes he was a relative of the Shaw family.
Clarence Howard Foster Shaw - The Canadian Virtual War Memorial - Veterans Affairs Canada
