Abraham Henry “Harry” Shinton        B-97782         Lance Corporal

Lance Corporal Abraham Henry “Harry” Shinton was born on October 16, 1919, in Staffordshire, England. The family moved to Canada and settled in Timmins, where Harry attended school through grade 8. He worked as a miner, a truck driver, and on the family horse farm. 

He enlisted on August 23, 1941, and joined the 1st Hussars, 6th Armoured Regiment, part of the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade. Founded in 1856, the 1st Hussars is one of Canada’s oldest and most storied armoured regiments. The Regiment moved overseas as part of the 5th Canadian Armour Division in 1941 and continued training until D-DAY. Following the Normandy landing, the Regiment took part in the bitter battles in the bridgehead, the closing of Falaise Gap, and clearing of the cross-channel guns at Calais. The 1st Hussars fought with distinction through Belgium and Holland, ending the war in Germany.

Lance Corporal Shinton’s responsibilities included guiding the tanks into battle using a motorcycle as his transportation. He was injured and carried a scar from it, a 1-inch semi-circle over his left tibia. He survived the war and was discharged on February 4, 1946. He was awarded four medals: 1939-1945 Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal, and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and clasp.  

Harry Shinton stayed in England for a time after the war and drove a double decker bus. He had married before the war for a short time but they divorced amicably during the conflict. He then married a British woman while still in service, and they celebrated 74 years together – a very good match! 

They moved to Canada and raised five children, three sons and two daughters. Harry drove a bus for Hollinger Bus Lines which became the TTC. He worked all of his life as the director for many divisions of the TTC. He used to play Santa Claus  for the TTC Family Christmas Parties each year. He was offered the opportunity to travel to China to set up their rail system but he had young children at the time and ultimately chose not to go as he did not want to be away from his family. Harry was well known for his straightforward and honest nature. He died on July 5, 2018, and is buried in Uxbridge.

We thank him for his service.

We will remember them.