Contributed by Ron Inglis, October 2021:
The service of Bombardier John Ernest Shields, 23, is notable for its length and its exemplary nature. With two years and one month, without interruption, on the Western Front, Shields had longer active service than any other Auburn Memorial man. Shields was one of only three Auburn Memorial men to serve in the artillery.
Shields, a grocer, was the son of widow Eliza Jane Shields of 10 Park Road, Auburn. He enlisted on 6 September 1915 at Warwick Farm. Also signing up at Warwick Farm on that day were fellow Auburn boys James Stewart, his brother George Stewart, Arthur Andrews, Sydney White and Arthur Wolff. Of the six, only George Stewart survived the war.
Shields sailed from Australia in January 1916 and arrived in France via Egypt on 2 April 1916. Joining the 103 Howitzer Battery, Australian Field Artillery, Shields was over two years on the Western Front with no wounds, diseases, hospitalisations or crimes. He does not appear to have had leave in the United Kingdom either.
Shields was killed in action on 25 May 1918, one of five Auburn Memorial men killed during that month. He was buried in the Franvillers Communal Cemetery Extension, located halfway between Albert and Amiens. For his grave his mother chose the inscription: THE LORD GAVE AND THE LORD HATH TAKEN AWAY
John Shields is honoured on the following memorials in Australia:
- Auburn War Memorial
- Municipality of Auburn 1914-1919 Honour Roll
- Roll of Honour Australian War Memorial Canberra
His decorations:
- British War Medal 1914-20
- Victory Medal
