Material Type

Manuscript

Date Range

1941-1945

Physical Description

8 items

Physical Condition

Good

History Biographical

William Charles Shirley was born and raised in Lethbridge. In 1925 Mr. Shirley joined the non permanent active militia in Lethbridge. The unit he joined was the 20th Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA). In September 1939 Mr. Shirley volunteered for active service several days before war was declared with Germany. He was the first regular soldier to volunteer in Military District 13, and his regimental number - M8 - reflected the fact. The first seven numbers were reserved for officers. Mr. Shirley continued to serve with the 20th Anti-Tank Battery, as it was re-designated on 1 December 1939. The 18th, 20th, 23rd and 108th Batteries RCA were assigned to the 2nd Anti Tank Regiment RCA on 1 December 1939. William Shirley was promoted to Battery Sergeant Major in May 1940. While the unit trained in England, Mr. Shirley was again promoted, this time to Regimental Sergeant Major of the 2nd Anti Tank Regiment. The 20th Battery went into action in July 1944 when the unit came under fire near Carpiquet, France. Mr. Shirley served with the 2nd Anti Tank Regiment as it fought in France, Belgium and Germany. William Shirley was awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) for dedicated, prestigious service. He also received a medal for long service to the non permanent active militia.

Acquisition Source

Gallant, Linda

Scope and Content

Eight soldier's pay books, attached together, issued to William Charles Shirley of the 20th Anti-tank Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery. July 1941 to September 1945.

Access Restrictions

Public Access

Accession No.

19971020000

Collection

Archive

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