Frederick William Shotton facts for kids

Professor Frederick William Shotton (1906–1990) was a very important British geologist. Geologists are scientists who study the Earth's rocks, soil, and history. He used his knowledge of the Earth to help the Allies win World War II, especially during the famous D-Day landings. He was also a respected professor at the University of Birmingham.

A Geologist Who Helped Win the War

Frederick Shotton was a brilliant scientist who made a huge difference during World War II. His special skills in understanding the ground beneath our feet were vital for military plans. He helped soldiers get water, build airfields, and even choose the best places to land during battles.

Helping the War Effort

From 1941 to 1943, Professor Shotton was based in Egypt. His job was to find clean drinking water for British soldiers. He used a science called hydrogeology, which is the study of how water moves through rocks and soil. This was super important for troops fighting in the hot deserts of the Middle East and North Africa.

Preparing for D-Day

Starting in late 1943, Professor Shotton began to help plan for the D-Day landings. This was a massive operation where Allied forces would invade Normandy, France, to free it from enemy control.

Shotton's team studied the beaches of Normandy very carefully. They looked at the sand and rocks to figure out which beaches would be best for landing troops and vehicles. He also helped decide where temporary airfields could be quickly built. These airfields were needed for planes to land and take off during the invasion. His expert advice and special maps were key to the success of D-Day on June 6, 1944.

After D-Day: Continued Support

After the D-Day landings, Professor Shotton moved to northern France and later Belgium. He continued his important work. He helped find more water supplies for the advancing troops. He also advised on where to find good rocks for building materials.

His team also checked the soil conditions. This helped the military know where vehicles could drive easily off-road. It also helped them choose good spots for airfields and military storage areas. His contributions were a big part of the Allied victory in Europe in May 1945.

A Respected Professor

After the war, Professor Shotton continued his amazing scientific work. He became the head of the Geology Department at the University of Birmingham in 1949. He led the department until he retired in 1974. He also served as the Vice-Principal of the university, showing how much he was respected.

Awards and Recognition

Professor Shotton's important work during the war was recognized with an award. He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This is a special honor given to people who have made a big difference.

In 1954, he received the Prestwich Medal, another important award for geologists. He was also elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. It showed how important his research was, especially his studies on the Earth's most recent geological period, called the Quaternary.