Charles Shaw of Tordarroch facts for kids
Charles John Shaw-Mackenzie (born March 3, 1899 – died August 2, 1978) was an important person in Scotland. He was an officer in the British Army, a special officer who dealt with family symbols (called an "officer of arms"), and the leader of his family group, known as a clan chief.
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Early Life and Military Service
Charles Shaw was born to John Alexander Shaw-Mackenzie and Frances Yule. He went to a school called Charterhouse School. After school, he joined the British Army. In 1918, he became an officer in a famous Scottish army group called the Seaforth Highlanders. He had studied at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, which is a special school for army officers.
In 1924, he received an award called the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award is given for good service to the country. He became a Captain in the army in 1928. In 1934, he was given a special role as a Deputy Lieutenant for an area in Scotland called Ross and Cromarty. This role helps support the King or Queen in that area.
World War II Hero
Charles Shaw fought in the Second World War. In 1940, during the Battle of France, he was captured by the enemy. He was a prisoner of war until September 1944, when he was sent back home. After the war, in 1945, he was officially praised for his brave actions. This praise is called being "Mentioned in Dispatches". In 1948, he received another award for his long and good service in the army, called the Efficiency Decoration.
Clan Chief and Scottish Traditions
Charles Shaw was also very involved in Scottish traditions. In 1970, he was officially recognized as the 21st Chief of Clan Shaw. A clan chief is the leader of a large family group in Scotland. This means he was the main person for the Shaw family.
He also worked as a special officer who managed family symbols, called "coats of arms." In 1958, his family's coat of arms was officially recorded. In 1966, he held a special job called Falkland Pursuivant. This job involves helping with ceremonies and keeping records of family symbols. He was also a member of the Royal Company of Archers, which is a group that acts as the King's or Queen's bodyguards in Scotland.
Other Interests
Beyond his military and clan duties, Charles Shaw was interested in learning and exploration. He was a member of the Royal Geographical Society, a group that supports geographical research and exploration. He was also part of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, which studies Scotland's history and old objects.
