RSM Henry Thomas Shepherd MBE (1895-1960)
Honours and Recognition
Pages
IntroductionJohn Shepherd and Sarah HartleyHenry's Early LifeService during WWIService during WWIIHenry's Family LifeGeorgetown Volunteer FiremenRoyal Canadian Legion, Lorne Rifles and Lorne ScotsHonours and RecognitionNewspaper Clippings of the Shepherd FamilyIn Henry's Own Words (audio)External Links
CBC News: Remembering a black soldier in a 'white man's war'Lorne Scots Museum Blog on Henry ShepherdNewmarket Today: Black veteran of both world wars 'one of finest men to don King's uniform'In 1935, Henry received the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal and when George VI became King in 1937, Henry also received the Coronation Medal.
For his service during WWII, he was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Medal, the War Medal, the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal and the Canadian Efficiency Medal. In 1944, Henry was named on the King’s Birthday Honour List and was appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for valour. Henry was highly respected within the military by his officers and fellow soldiers and remained an active member of his community until his passing on July 24, 1960, at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Henry is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Georgetown.
In the years after his death, Henry has continued to receive recognition for his community and military service and has been acknowledged in several history books, publications and newspaper articles. For Remembrance Day 2016, Henry’s life story was featured on a CBC Television special and in that same year, he was also featured in Kathy Grant’s exhibit of Black soldiers at the National War Museum in Ottawa. The Legion in Newmarket has a prominent tribute to his service as CSM of the Newmarket Training Camp. In 2018, the Shepherd family was also featured at the Old Town Hall exhibit for their first Black History Month.
For his service during WWII, he was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Medal, the War Medal, the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal and the Canadian Efficiency Medal. In 1944, Henry was named on the King’s Birthday Honour List and was appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for valour. Henry was highly respected within the military by his officers and fellow soldiers and remained an active member of his community until his passing on July 24, 1960, at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Henry is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Georgetown.
In the years after his death, Henry has continued to receive recognition for his community and military service and has been acknowledged in several history books, publications and newspaper articles. For Remembrance Day 2016, Henry’s life story was featured on a CBC Television special and in that same year, he was also featured in Kathy Grant’s exhibit of Black soldiers at the National War Museum in Ottawa. The Legion in Newmarket has a prominent tribute to his service as CSM of the Newmarket Training Camp. In 2018, the Shepherd family was also featured at the Old Town Hall exhibit for their first Black History Month.
Henry Thomas Shepherd Portrait [View More]
CSM Henry Shepherd receiving MBE award [View More]
Henry Shepherd and Les Clark at Legion Branch Presentation [View More]
Medals awarded to Henry Shepherd [View More]
Letter of appreciation for Henry Shepherd's service at Newmarket Training Centre [View More]
Henry Shepherd, Letter of Gratitude for Service [View More]
Henry Shepherd Firemen's Training School Certificate [View More]
Kathy Grant and The Legacy Voices exhibit at the Canadian War Museum [View More]
Street named for Henry Shepherd in Brampton [View More]
Henry Shepherd featured at Halton Hills Public Library [View More]
Greenwood Cemetery Map [View More]
