On Armistice Day in 1918, 11th November, Sergeant Harry Shave was admitted to a Casualty Clearing Station in Italy, suffering from influenza. He developed pneumonia, and Harry died on 14th November, having served throughout the Great War.

Harry was born in Birmingham in 1893, eldest child of Harry Shave, a labourer who had served for 12 years in the 6th Dragoon Guards. Harry Shave Senior, originally from Hampshire, had married drayman’s daughter Carrie Miles in 1891, when he was stationed in Birmingham.The family – parents, Harry, and his sister Elizabeth – lived at 50 Sandy Lane before moving to 120 Long Street.

In March1914 Harry Junior was working as a motor body maker when he joined the Royal Field Artillery Territorials, enlisting in the 3rd South Midlands Brigade. Harry was 5’ 4” tall, with a 34½” chest. On the outbreak of war Harry signed a form agreeing to serve overseas.

Sent to France in 1915, Harry was awarded the 1914-1915 Star for his service. On 2nd October 1917, Harry was transferred to the Royal Engineers, as a Corporal Telegraphist in the 48th Signal Company – the authorisation for this was ‘benefit of the service’. Harry was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 25th August 1918. He was buried in north-east Italy, at Montecchio Precalcino, Provincia di Vicenza, Veneto.