7th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the London Gazette of 21 June 1916.

Awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 23 August 1916.

Shea was a native of Barrowford, Lancashire. The Colne and Nelson Times War Album for 1914-15 - contains the following reference to Private A. Shea, Private Anthony Shea, of the 7th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, was mentioned in despatches for conspicuous bravery on the morning of 29 October 1915, when he went, in the face of heavy firing, to the German trenches and carried into safety a wounded comrade.

Private Shea enlisted on 2 September 1914. After training he went in the following July to France. He is 20 years old. Private A. Shea, in his earlier years, saved a young woman and her two children from drowning at Barrowford. He has always been a daring young fellow, when life was in danger, and he would risk his own life to save anyone. He takes it as his duty.

The Burnley Express of 26 August 1916 reported, MILITARY MEDALIST. The King has awarded the Military Medal to Private Anthony Shea, of the East Lancashire Regiment, of 4, Old Row, Barrowford, Lancashire. Twenty years of age, Private Shea, junior, enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war, previous to which he was employed at Mr. John Dixon's Holmefield Mill, Barrowford. He was wounded on April 6, this year. He was previously awarded the D.C.M. Shea was also wounded on the 5 July 1916.

See also the Preston Guardian of 2 September 1916.

The citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal published in the London Gazette reads:- "For conspicuous gallantry. He went out under heavy fire on his own initiative in broad daylight and rescued a wounded man from within 80 yards of the enemy's lines. A L/Corporal had already been wounded in three places in making the attempt"