Charles Shay
Date of death: 12.3.1917
Area: Pontefract
Regiment: King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Family information: Son of Mr & Mrs John Shay of Ferrybridge Road, Pontefract
Rank: Private
Service number: 30966
War Service
“This local soldier, who was the second son of the late Mr John Shay and Mrs Shay of Ferrybridge Road Pontefract, reported wounded, has now been officially notified killed in action on the 12th March 1917. He was in the KOYLI and joined the colours on the 22nd of June 1916 and after training was sent to France. He was 25 and was unmarried. His officer, writing Mrs Shay says – “I have been wanting to write to you… but have only now got your address. You would have heard from me at once, only I was wounded at the same time. Your son was killed instantaneously on the morning of the 12th during a raid by us on the German trenches south-east of Arras. He was buried in the military cemetery at Rounville, a suburb of Arras. I am very grieved at the death of your son. He was a fine soldier and always did his duty admirably. He has indeed served his country right well and now he has laid down his life fighting valiantly for home and country. Please accept my very deepest sympathy in the loss of a very gallant son.””
Extract from the Pontefract and Castleford Express of 27.4.1917.
He is buried at Beaurains Road Cemetery, Beaurains.
Beaurains Road Cemetery, Beaurains
