Anthony Shaw facts for kids

Major General Anthony John Shaw was a senior British Army officer. He led the Army Medical Services as its Director General from 1988 to 1990. He was born on July 13, 1930, and passed away on July 27, 2015, at the age of 85.

His Early Life and Education

Anthony John Shaw was born in 1930. His father, W. A. Shaw, was also a Lieutenant Colonel in the army. Anthony went to Epsom College, a well-known school in Surrey, from 1943 to 1948. He was good at sports, playing for the school's rugby and hockey teams. He also won a prize for botany, which is the study of plants.

After school, he went to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge in 1950. He studied hard and earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, which later became a Master of Arts (MA). He also studied medicine at Westminster Hospital Medical School. By 1954, he was a qualified doctor. He finished his medical studies at the University of Cambridge in 1955, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BCh) degree. He then worked at Westminster Hospital and Kingston Hospital to gain practical experience as a new doctor.

Starting His Army Journey

In 1956, Anthony Shaw joined the Royal Army Medical Corps as a lieutenant. This was part of his national service, which was a time when young men had to serve in the military. He quickly moved from national service to a full-time career in the regular army.

He was promoted to captain in 1957. By 1962, he became a major. In 1963, he attended the Staff College, Camberley. This is a special school where army officers learn how to lead and plan military operations. During his early career, he was stationed in many different countries, including Malta, Berlin, Malaya, and Nepal.

Rising Through the Ranks

Anthony Shaw continued to advance in his military career. In 1969, he became a lieutenant colonel. He commanded the 28 Field Ambulance, which is a medical unit that provides care in the field. He also worked as a chief instructor at the Royal Army Medical Corps Training Centre, teaching new medical officers.

In 1973, he attended the National Defence College, another important school for senior officers. From 1973 to 1976, he worked at the Ministry of Defence in London, helping to manage medical services for the entire army. He then commanded the Cambridge Military Hospital from 1977 to 1979.

He was promoted to colonel in 1978. He served as the Commander Medical for the 2nd Infantry Division in the BAOR (British Army of the Rhine), which was the British army stationed in Germany.

In 1981, he became a brigadier, which is a high-ranking officer, like a one-star general. He held several important medical leadership roles, including Director of Medical Supply and Deputy Director General of Army Medical Services. He also became the Director of Army Community and Occupational Medicine.

In 1985, he reached the rank of major general, a very senior position. From 1988 to 1990, he served as the Director General of the Army Medical Services. This meant he was in charge of all medical care for the British Army. He retired from the army in 1991.

Life After the Army

Even after retiring from the military, Anthony Shaw continued his medical work. From 1995 to 2005, he was the President of the Standing Medical Board in Aldershot. This board likely helped make important medical decisions.

After a period of illness, he passed away on July 27, 2015, at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey. He was 85 years old.

Family and Achievements

In 1961, Anthony Shaw married Gillian Best. They had one son and one daughter.

He received several important honours for his service. In 1983, he was appointed an Honorary Physician to the Queen (QHP), which is a special title given to senior military doctors. In 1985, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award recognizes significant achievements. In 1988, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), another high honour for military service.

See Also

• List of Directors General of Army Medical Services