Roland Shaw
Encyclopedia
Roland Shaw was a soldier in the 2/4th Bn King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
. He fought at Vaulx-Vraucourt
and may have served under Richard Annesley West
.
On 2 September 1918 Shaw distinguished himself in combat. All of his superior officers had been killed or wounded early in the battle and according to the London Gazette
, "Cpl Shaw took command of the platoon, and though wounded himself he led the men forward with fine gallantry and endurance until the final objective, a position of the greatest importance, had been won. He gave in only when the consolidation was completed, when he was exhausted by loss of blood. His splendid example was worthy of great praise." For his gallantry Shaw was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal
.
King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry was a regiment of the British Army. It officially existed from 1881 to 1968, but its predecessors go back to 1755. The regiment's traditions and history are now maintained by The Rifles.-The 51st Foot:...
. He fought at Vaulx-Vraucourt
Vaulx-Vraucourt
Vaulx-Vraucourt is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France.-Geography:Vaulx-Vraucourt lies southeast of Arras and about northeast of Bapaume, at the junction of the D20, D10E and D36 roads.-History:...
and may have served under Richard Annesley West
Richard Annesley West
Richard Annesley West VC DSO & Bar MC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces....
.
On 2 September 1918 Shaw distinguished himself in combat. All of his superior officers had been killed or wounded early in the battle and according to the London Gazette
London Gazette
The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the United Kingdom, in which certain statutory notices are required to be published...
, "Cpl Shaw took command of the platoon, and though wounded himself he led the men forward with fine gallantry and endurance until the final objective, a position of the greatest importance, had been won. He gave in only when the consolidation was completed, when he was exhausted by loss of blood. His splendid example was worthy of great praise." For his gallantry Shaw was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean...
.