SHAW, Charles Gordon

DSO, MID

Charles Gordon (known as Gordon) Shaw was the youngest son of George and Eliza (nee McKay) Shaw.  He was born on 9 January 1885 at Tullyvallin, 108 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, the Shaw family home since 1882.  This remained the family home until 1918, after Eliza's death.  Gordon was educated at Scotch College, East Melbourne, and then at the University of  Melbourne where he studied medicine gaining first his M.B.B.S. and later M.D. and M.S.  He was a resident at St. Vincent's, then in 1910-11 went to England where he gained his F.R.C.S. and later on returning to Australia, his F.R.A.C.S.  He became a lecturer and demonstrator at the University.  Among his students was Rachel Champion who he married in England in 1917 while both were serving overseas during the war.

On 14 August 1914 World War 1 was declared; the following day Gordon applied for a commission.  He was appointed to the R.A.A.M.C. field ambulance as a captain on 20 August, and almost immediately promoted to major.  He finished the war as Lt. Colonel. 

He embarked on 19 October 1914.  In Egypt he served with the 2nd Field Ambulance. He proceeded to Gallipoli 5 April 1915 where he was transferred to Hospital Ship Gascon, following that he was back in Egypt. He was transferred to 1st Field Ambulance as commanding officer on 23 November 1915. On 23 March 1916 he left for France arriving a week later.   He was awarded D.S.O. notice of which appeared in the Supplement to the London Gazette on 29 December 1916.  He was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's despatch of 20 January 1917 for distinguished and gallant service and devotion to duty in the field.  He was also recommended unsuccessfully for an Order of St Michael and St George:

Lt. Col. SHAW has commanded an ambulance since August 1915.  His capable administration has enabled his ambulance to do good work in the SAILLY area but more particularly at WARLOY and in the frost during the attack in and around POZIERES during July and August.

His main Dressing Station at WARLOY in July was especially well managed, and the way in which the wounded were attended to left nothing to be desired.

During August 16th to 23rd he had charge of the Collecting area and his energy and ability were displayed in the smooth and successful manner in which the wounded were collected and evacuated.

The good work which this Officer has performed in FRANCE is only a continuation of that which he previously carried out on Hospital Ships.

He was tansferred to be operating surgeon at the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station in November 1916. He was back in London by 29 October 1917.

He returned to Australia on 19 April and his appointment was terminated 29 June 1919.  Back in Australia  he became honorary surgeon at St. Vincent's and also a surgeon at the Repatriation Hospital, Caulfield.  He had his own private practice with rooms in Collins Street.  He lived in Clendon Road, Toorak in a house he built and which he called Tullyvallin.  He had four children, and died in 1967.