Born in Country Down, Ireland Thomas Shaw was employed by the Wellington City Corporation as a "motorman" at the time of his enlistment with the 49th Reinforcements. He died of "accident or disease while training with or attached to the NZEF in New Zealand" and was buried at the Featherston Soldiers Cemetery and possibly died while in camp.

Survived by his wife Mrs E Shaw of Standen Street, Karori, Wellington.