Trafford

Born on the 20th September 1886, the birth being registered during the
December quarter 1886 in the Brentford R.D. - ref: 3a/122, the son of
Thomas Dowson & Mary Ann Shield (nee Park).

1891 Census - 15 Wordsworth Road, Bordesley, Aston, Warwickshire.    Son -
aged: 4 - born: Acton, Middlesex.   Head of household - Thomas D. Shield -
Married  - aged: 56 - occ: Civil Engineer - born; Alston, Cumberland.  
Also Mary A. Shield - Wife - aged: 46 - born: Millom, Cumberland.  Plus - 6
siblings.

1901 Census - Folieu, Isle of Man.   Son - aged: 14 - born: England.   Head
of household - Thomas D. Shield - Married  - aged: 66 - occ: Contractor's
Agent - born; England.   Also Mary Ann Shield - Wife - aged: 56 - born:
England.  Plus - 3 elder siblings.

His father died at Stretford in 1908.   His brother - George Albert
emigrated to Regina, Canada.

1911 Census - 70 Victoria Road, Stretford.   Son - aged: 24 - occ: Coal
Merchant - born: Acton, Middlesex.   Head of household - Mary Ann Shield -
Widow - aged: 65 - b orn: Ha Erigg, Cumberland.  Plus 2 elder sisters.

WO339/3593 - He applied for a Commission with the Northampton Rgt on .the
21st August 1914.  The rector of All Saints Church, Stretford gave him a
reference stating that he had known him for eight years.  He attested at
Northampton to join the Northamptonshire Yeomanry on the 16th September
1914.   He was then aged: 27 years, 11 months  and was 6 feet in height. 
His chest measurements were 33 - 37 inches and was considered to have Good
physical development.  Promoted to the rank of Corporal on the 9th January
1915, then to Sergeant on the 27th February 1915.   He was appointed
Temporary 2nd Lieutenant to the 8th Battalion, Northamptonshire Rgt and
instructed to attend a school of instruction at "Alehone", Crowborough on
the 2nd June 1915   By 1916, he and his mother were residing at 104
Clarence Avenue, Northampton.   His Estate was split equally betweem his
mother and four of his U.K. siblings.   Originally buried at Aveling
(Aveluy???) about three miles north of Albert - Map Ref: 57d S.E. Square W.
17a 4.6.

M.I. - "Even now they ripen in sunny paradise".

Commemorated on the Northampton Roll of Honour.