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In honour of our soldiers: Edgar Joseph Shields

By Matthew Cheung

Published 12:07 PST, Fri January 17, 2025

In a series about Richmond’s poppy street signs, in memory of our fallen soldiers, we share the story of Shields Avenue. 

Edgar Joseph Shields was born on June 30, 1920 in Langley, BC. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and listed his mother, Mrs. Rosemary Brown, as his next of kin. According to his enlistment papers, Shields lived at RR #1, King Road, Lulu Island and worked as a truck driver and fueller. 

Upon enlistment, Shields travelled to Toronto for training before embarking on a journey from Halifax for Liverpool. He would arrive on May 13, 1940, spending almost four years in England, with several hospital stays and many episodes of punishment for absences without leave. On Nov. 5, 1942, Shields became married to Elsie Joyce Dawson at Caterham, Surrey, England.  

Tragically, after embarking for Italy on March 12, 1945, Shields will killed in action on April 11, 1945. According to a newspaper cutout found online, he died due to the wounds he suffered on April 11. 

The City of Richmond made the decision to honour Edgar Joseph Shields, by naming a street sign after him. Shields Avenue can be found near the intersection of General Currie Road and Bridges Street. 

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