Morley Roy Shier

Morley Roy Shier was born Dec. 4, 1894. He attended Leaskdale Public and Uxbridge High Schools. After graduating he became a teacher, working first at Corson’s Siding School in Victoria County, then Earl Grey School in Toronto. On Nov. 17, 1917, three weeks before his 23rd birthday, he enlisted in the air force.

He trained with Royal Flying Corps Canada in Toronto. Cadets were billeted in public school buildings, a prison, and much of the University of Toronto. It’s likely he flew out of Armour Heights Field, near what’s now Avenue Road and Highway 401, around the site of the current Canadian Forces College. He would have taken about 80 hours of in-flight training, much more than the early recruits who were lucky to get 10-20 hours.

After receiving his commission in April 1918, Second Lieutenant Shier went to England in May for more advanced training in combat and reconnaissance tactics. He became and active RFC pilot in July, at age 23. He was posted to the Royal Air Force 256 Squadron, based in Seahouses, Northumberland, on the eastern coast near the border with Scotland. From here he flew reconnaissance missions, locating and chasing German submarines that threatened the North Sea fishing fleet.

Ten weeks before the end of the war, on Sept. 6, 1918, Flt. Lt. Shier crashed into the North Sea in foggy weather about 20 miles off the English coast. His name is on Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton, UK commemorating all who were lost at sea. There is also a memorial plaque in the Historic Leaskdale Church to commemorate his service to his country.

“In November 1917 he joined the Royal Flying Corps, receiving his commission in the Royal Air Force in April 1918, and going overseas the next month. He began his active service flying with 256 Squadron in July on patrol duty off the Northumberland coast. On September 6 he went out on patrol in foggy weather and when twenty miles from the shore his machine fell into the North Sea.” University of Toronto / Roll of Service 1914-1918 - Honour Roll 1921.