William Percy Shaw
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Information about this man suggests that he might be the 'W Shaw' commemorated on the St Ann's Church Mens' Institute memorial. However, this is a provisional identification and further evidence is sought. William Percy was the son of Reuben George and Catherine Elizabeth (Kate) Shaw. His father Reuben George Shaw was born in Nottingham on 4 March 1844, the son of William and Elizabeth Shaw, and was baptised on 21 March 1844 at Nottingham St Peter. His mother Catherine (Kate) Elizabeth was born in Nottingham on 2 August 1851. Reuben and Kate had six children of whom only four were still living at the time of the 1911 Census. Four children were named on the census between 1881 and 1911: Florence Elizabeth bap. 3 January 1875; William Percy b. 28 June 1885 bap. 2 July 1885; Ernest Arthur bap. 22 July 1883 and Henry bap. 10 September 1889. All the children were baptised at Nottingham St Peter. In 1881 Reuben (37), a shopkeeper, and Elizabeth (29) were living at 23 Lister Gate, Nottingham, with their daughter, Florence (6). By 1891 they were living at 79 Hungerhill Road; this was to remain the family home with Florence living there until her death in 1951. Reuben was now employed as a hosiery warehouseman. Their four children were in the house on the night of the census, Florence, Ernest (7), William (5) and Henry (20 months). Reuben died on 23 February 1901. The census a few months later recorded that his four children were still living with their widowed mother at their home on Hungerhill Road: Florence a servant/cap maker, Ernest a lace warehouseman, and William and Henry who were both still at school. Only three children were still living at home by 1911; Florence, a machinist, William, a printer (letterpress) and Henry a tobacconist's clerk. The eldest son, Ernest, has not yet been traced on the 1911 Census but he was awarded probate of his sister's will in 1951 when he was described as a retired lace manufacturer. When William enlisted in 1915 he named his mother as his next of kin. He married Mabel Wilson (spinster) at St Ann's Church, Nottingham, on 2 February 1918. Wiliam appears to have still been living at home at the time of his marriage but afterwards he and Mabel lived at 87 Beverley Street. William's widow, Mabel, married William H Sealy in 1919, marriage registered J/A/S Bridgwater, Somerset. In November 1919 a letter from the Ministry of Pensions to Mabel Shaw of 87 Beverley Street, Nottingham, was redirected by the Army to 12 Cranleigh Gardens, Bridgwater. According to the CWGC record, Mabel Sealy later lived at 185 Bexhill Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex. His mother Elizabeth Catherine died on 17 July 1939.
Army Service Corps (Workshops attd Tank Corps) William attested on 20 May 1915 (113194 ASC Mechanical Transport) at the age of 29 years and 11 months. He served in the UK from 20 May until 16 June 1916 when he was drafted for the British Expeditionary Force France. He embarked Southampton on 19 June 1916 and disembarked at Rouen on 20 June 1916. He served in France until his death two years later, but must have had leave in February 1918 in order to get married in Nottingham. William was admitted to No. 12 Stationary Hospital on 10 November 1918 suffering from bronchitis and influenza. He died in hospital on 21 November and was buried in St. Pol British Cemetery, St. Pol-Sur-Ternoise (grave ref ll.D.11). He had served for 3 years 186 days. William qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Information about this man suggests that he might be the 'W Shaw' commemorated on the St Ann's Church Mens' Institute memorial. However, this is a provisional identification and further evidence is sought. Inscriptions on family grave in Nottingham Church (Rock) Cemetery: 'In loving memory of William Percy Shaw (Privt. – MT ASC) Born June 28th 1885. Died November 21st 1918. Interred at St. Pol France. In loving memory of Reuben George Shaw. Born March 4th 1844. Died February 23rd 1901. Also of Elizabeth Catherine Shaw beloved wife of the above. Born August 2nd 1851. Died July 17th 1939. Reunited. Thy will be done. Also Florence Elizabeth Shaw who died January 1st 1951 aged 76 years.' Memo 22 November 1918 from Lt Col RAMC TF Commanding No 12 Stationary Hospital to the OIC ASC Section GHQ Third Echelon. ‘Report on the sickness which caused the death of the late NO. M2/113194 Pte WP Shaw ASC att Tank Corps HQ. No M2/113194 Pte WP Shaw ASC att Tank Corps HQ was admitted to No 12 Stationary Hospital, on the 10th November 1918 suffering from influenza and bronchitis. He died, in hospital, on the 21st November 1918. The illness from which he died is considered to have been caused by exposure while on Military Duty.’ Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Marriages’, 4 February 1818: ‘Shaw-Wilson. On the 2nd inst.. at St Ann’s Church, by the Rev. MJG King MA, Pte WP Shaw ASC, second son of the late Reuben and Mrs Shaw, Hunger Hill-road, to Mabel, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs T Wilson, Beverley-street, Nottingham.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 26 November 1918: ‘Shaw. Died of pneumonia in France, November 20th 1918, Pte WP Shaw dearly loved husband of Mabel Shaw (nee Wilson), 87, Beverley-street. Beautiful memories, shattered hopes. Sorrowing wife, Mabel.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 26 November 1918: ‘Shaw. On the 20th inst. at stationary Hospital, France, Pte WP Shaw, beloved second son of Mrs Shaw and the late Reuben George Shaw, 79 Hunger Hill-road.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 26 November 1918: ‘Shaw. On November 20th, in France, from pneumonia. Pte WP Shaw. Loved by all. Mr and Mrs T Wilson and Family.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Probate: Shaw William Percy of 87 Beverley-street Nottingham private in HM Army died 21 November 1918 in France Administration Nottingham 26 February to Mabel Shaw widow. Effects £487 14s. 6d.
