Michael was born in 1924 in Mile End, London to Polish born parents Israel (Martin) Schrutski and Minnie nee Stalick and he had an older brother Hyman known as Harry. The family became naturalised British citizens on 14 September 1935 and changed their surname from Schrutski/Sieradzki to Shaw. Michael’s parents both predeceased him with his father dying in 1939 and mother in 1940. The 1939 Register states that the family were living in Hackney and Martin was working as a tailors machinist. To date little is known about Michael’s life before he enlisted.

A long delay 1000 lb bomb exploded in the fusing shed at RAF Graveley on 25th November 1943, killing three airmen and injuring two others.
Sgt, Roderick Cawthorn Boak, 936333
LAC, Charles Crane, 1265082
A/C 2nd Class, Michael Shaw, 1628459