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| Regiment/Service: |
27th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Canadian Army)
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| Date Of Birth: |
08/04/1892
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| Died: |
02/10/1918 (Killed in Action) |
| Age: |
28 |
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| Richard Shea was the son of Michael John and Mary Shea. Richard was born in Gorey, County Wexford around 1890. The 1901 census lists Richard as age 11 living with the family at Ballycomclone, east of Gorey, County Wexford. Both his mother and his father were teachers. The 1911 census records that Richard was still a student. Richard Shea emigrated to Canada. When Richard enlisted in Winnipeg, in November 1915, he gave his next of kin as his sister Margaretta Shea. Her address was given as, Augher, County Tyrone. Richard was an electrician by trade. Private Richard Shea was serving with the 27th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he was killed in action on 1st October 1918. He was 26-28 years old. At the time of his death, newspaper reports note his sister Margaretta was living at Union Place, Dungannon with her aunt, Mrs Sloan. |
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| Richard Shea was the son of Michael John and Mary Shea. According to his enlistment documents, Richard was born in Gorey, County Wexford on 8th April 1892. However, consistent census returns make his birth around 1890.
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| Known family: Michael John Shea, Mary Shea, Margaretta Shea (born about 1878), Mary Shea (born about 1880), John Chas Shea (born about 1883), Richard Shea (born 8th April 1892).
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| The 1901 census lists Richard as age 11 living with the family at house 1 in Ballycomclone, Courtown, County Wexford. Ballycomclone lies just east of Gorey. Both his mother and his father were teachers.
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| By the time of the 1911 census, Michael John Shea had died. Richard was 21 years old and living with his mother and sister at house 16 in Ballaghmore Lower, Kyle, Queen's County (County Laois). Richard was still a student.
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| Also recorded in the 1911 census, Richard's brother, John Charles Shea, was a teacher living in Annaghilla, Favor Royal, Tyrone – near Augher.
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| Richard Shea emigrated to Canada.
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| Richard was an electrician by trade.
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| When Richard enlisted in Winnipeg, Canada on 15th November 1915, he gave his next of kin as his sister Margaretta Catherine Shea. Her address was given as Ballinaspottage, Augher, County Tyrone.
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| Private Richard Shea was serving with the 27th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he was killed in action on 1st October 1918. He was 26-28 years old.
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| At the time of his death, newspaper reports note his sister Margaretta was living at Union Place, Dungannon with her aunt, Mrs Sloan.
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| The Canadian Circumstances of Death Register records that Private Shea was killed in action on 2nd October 1918. He was killed instantly by an enemy shell while moving up to a forward position near Tilloy.
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| From the Tyrone Courier and Dungannon News dated 9th October 1918:
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| Private Richard Shea, Machine Gun Corps, Canadians, killed in action on the 1st October 1918, was the brother of Miss M C Shea, Union Place, Dungannon.
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| From the Belfast Newsletter dated 18th October 1918:
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| Private Richard Shea, Machine Gun Corps, Canadians, who was killed in action on the 1st October 1918, was a nephew of Mrs Sloan, Union Place, Dungannon.
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| Private Shea is buried in Canada Cemetery, Tilloy-les-Cambrai, a village on the north-western outskirts of the town of Cambrai. His inscription reads: WITH LONG LIFE WILL I SATISFY HIM PS. 91.16
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| The CWGC record Private Richard Shea as the son of Michael John and Mary Shea of Kiltennell, Gorey, County Wexford, Ireland.
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| There is no evidence to suggest Private Richard Shea ever lived in the Dungannon area.
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