William Ernest Shields

William Ernest Shields DFC & Bar (15 October 1892 – 1 August 1921) was a Canadian First World War flying ace, officially credited with 24 victories.

Early life William Ernest Shields was born on 15 October 1892 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the son of W. H. Shields. Not quite a year after the British declaration of war at the start of World War I dragged Canada into the war, the younger Shields joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force. As was customary for Canadians entering the military at that time, he filled out an Attestation Paper. The date he joined is filled in next to his signature of "W. E. Shields" below his oath of allegiance to King George V; it was 25 March 1915.

The reverse of the Attestation Paper shows that the examining medical officer measured him as being five feet five inches tall, with an expanded chest measurement of 36 inches. He had a fair complexion, brown eyes, and light brown hair.

Shields was assigned a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a to fly. With it, he began his victory list on 12 June 1918, driving a German Albatros D.V down out of control over Guerbigny, France. It was the start of a victory tally that would make him an ace several times over; he also became proficient at the hazardous mission of balloon busting.

On 1 August 1921, he and wireless operator G. H. Harding were going to fly west of Red Deer. Shields took off at 0737 hours. At an altitude of about 50 feet, the plane side-slipped into a nose-diving crash. Though Harding suffered only minor injuries, Shields died from a fracture to the back of his skull, dying a few minutes after being pulled from the wreckage.

Distinguished Flying Cross - Bar

"Lt. (A./Capt.) William Ernest Shields, D.F.C. (FRANCE) Bold in attack and skilful in manoeuvre, this officer is conspicuous for his success and daring in aerial combats. On 22 September, when on offensive patrol, he was attacked by fourteen Fokkers; he succeeded in shooting down one. On another occasion he was attacked by six scouts and destroyed one of these. In all, since 28 June, this officer has accounted for fourteen enemy aircraft."

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