South Yorkshire Times November 22, 1969

Pictured manning an observation post overlooking one of the troubled areas of Belfast is L/CpI. Michael Shaw (28), from Thurnscoe. He is serving with the 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry, who are at present engaged in peace keeping Operations in Northern Ireland

Manning The Ulster Ramparts

Thurnscoe soldier, L/Cpl Michael Shaw is firmly convinced that life in the Services is the only life for him. He was only 13 when he started his career in the Forces. He was sent to training school but not for the Army — he went to the officers’ Nautical College in Hull.

At the age of 17 he came ashore for a few months taking a job locally, but he soon realised he was a military man at heart and, disillusioned with life in “civvy street”, he decided to join up once more.

However, he did not go back to the Navy but signed up with the 2nd Battalion the Light Infantry

He has since served in Malaya, Borneo, Aden and Germany.

Michael married a local girl, Carol, daughter of the late Mr. Eddie Parry and of Mrs. Joy Parry of 27 Low Grange Road, Thurnscoe. Michael’s mother lives in the same street at number 54. He and his wife have a nine-months old baby daughter, Kerry Louise.

In September he was sent to Northern Ireland with his regiment, who were among the first troops to move into the trouble spot. He is due home in January.

His wife and daughter are currently living in Army barracks at Colchester.

Born in Huddersfield. Michael has two married brothers, both living in the Huddersfield area.