Michael Shea – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Howe Battalion

Able Seaman Michael Shea – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Howe Battalion

Early Life

Michael Shea was born in 1897 in Swansea, the son of Jeremiah Shea and Norah Driscoll, who were married in 1882 in Swansea. He grew up within the close‑knit working‑class community surrounding Llangyfelach Street, one of Swansea’s oldest residential districts.

1901 Census

The 1901 Census records the Shea family at 12 Llangyfelach Street, Swansea. Michael’s father, Jeremiah, aged 46, worked as a General Labourer, while his mother Norah, aged 41, cared for the home. Their children living with them were Mary (17), employed as a General Servant; Julia (15); John (13); Jeremiah (8); and Michael, aged 3. This snapshot shows a typical large Swansea household of the era, with elder siblings already contributing to the family’s income.

1911 Census

By 1911, the family was still residing at 12 Llangyfelach Street, although much had changed following the death of Jeremiah Shea. Norah, now 50, was widowed and supporting her sons Jeremiah (17), a News Boy, and Michael (13), who also worked as a News Boy while attending school. The household had expanded to include Hugh Woollard (27), a Fuel Worker, his wife Julia—Michael’s sister—and their sons William (4) and Hugh (2 months). This reflects the multi‑generational family structure common in industrial communities, with relatives sharing accommodation and mutual support.

Military Service

As a young man, Michael enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, serving as an Able Seaman with the Howe Battalion of the Royal Naval Division. Composed largely of naval reservists, the division fought as infantry on the Western Front and played a significant role during the latter stages of the Somme campaign.

Howe Battalion on 19^th November 1916

By 19^th November 1916, the Howe Battalion was still engaged in the final stage of the Battle of the Ancre, the concluding operation of the Somme offensive. Just days earlier, on 13 November, the battalion had taken part in the fierce assault on Beaucourt, suffering heavy casualties. The days that followed were marked by exhaustion, freezing temperatures, and relentless mud as the battalion held forward positions under harsh conditions.

On the night of 18^th–19^th November, the last British attacks of the Somme campaign were launched in snow, sleet, and bitter cold. Although other units led the final assault, the Howe Battalion remained in exposed forward and support trenches. Men endured sporadic German shelling, sniper fire, and the physical strain of operating in flooded, collapsing trenches. Casualties during this period often resulted not only from enemy fire but also from exposure, exhaustion, and the brutal winter weather. The battle concluded later on 19 November, bringing an end to the Somme fighting for 1916, but for the Howe Battalion the day represented the final and punishing phase of one of their most difficult engagements on the Western Front.

Death

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Able Seaman Michael Shea was killed in action on 19^th November 1916, during this final stage of the Battle of the Ancre. His death came amid the extreme conditions and continued enemy activity that followed the main assault days earlier.

Burial

Michael Shea
Contay British Cemetery, Contay, Somme, France
credit - findagrave

Michael was buried at Contay British Cemetery, Contay, in the Somme region of France. This cemetery was used by nearby casualty clearing stations throughout the later Somme battles, and many men of the Royal Naval Division who were wounded during November 1916 now rest there