SHAW, Wilfrid

Wilfred Shaw was born in Brierley Hill and volunteered for the South Staffords. He went to the 2nd Battalion which had been involved on the Western Front since the Battle of Mons in August 1914. It was active throughout 1915 and in late July 1916 the Staffords moved to the Somme front line near Delville Wood. On the 8th August they led an attack on nearby Waterlot Farm. In early morning mist the fighting was confused and, in spite of much gallantry, the attack was repulsed with many casualties. Another attempt was made on the 9th. This was successful and cost few lives but one was Private Wilfred Shaw who is commemorated on the Thiepval, Brierley Hill and Brierley Hill church Memorials.