Six: Sergeant C. E. Shaw, Royal Engineers

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (20740 Corpl: C. E. Shaw. R.E.); 1914-15 Star (52243. Sjt. C. E. Shaw. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (52243 Sjt. C. E. Shaw. R.E.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (52243 Sjt: C. E. Shaw. R.E.); Imperial Service Medal, G.V.R., Circular issue, 1st ‘coinage head’ issue (Charles Edward Shaw); together with Queen Victoria’s Boer War Chocolate tin 1900 and Silver War Badge in its numbered box of issue (336046), good very fine (6) £180-£220

Charles Edward Shaw enlisted into the Royal Engineers in February 1886 as a Boy recruit, serving at Home for the next 12 years and twice being promoted, to Lance-Corporal in 1896 and to Corporal in 1897. He was discharged to the Reserve in 1898 on termination of his first period of engagement, and took employment as a telegraphist at the General Post Office in Liverpool. Rejoining on the outbreak of the Boer War, he served in South Africa from November 1899 to July 1901 with 1st Field Company, attached to the 1st Telegraph Division (Queens Medal with 5 clasps). He afterwards returned to his position with the Telegraph Office in Liverpool, where he remained until the outbreak of war in August 1915. Shaw rejoined the Royal Engineers in September 1914, being promoted to Sergeant within one day of joining. He served at Home attached to various Signals Depots until November 1915 when he joined the Expeditionary Force in France. In August 1917 he was found in the Sergeant’s Billet with self-inflicted wounds to his wrist and leg and with his bedding alight having attempted to set the Billet on fire. A Shell Shock Specialist with the R.A.M.C. concluded that he was in a condition of temporary mental derangement and was not responsible for his actions but suffering from severe Neurasthenia. He was consequently discharged in March 1918 and awarded the Silver War Badge due to his sickness. Returning to his profession as a telegraphist with the General Post Office, he was awarded the Imperial Service Medal on 24 December 1929.

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