Harry or Shag, as he was nicknamed by his friends, was born in Toronto, on June 29, 1902. When Canada entered the war, Shaugnessy was accepted as a special constable to replace officers that were in national service. A year after his engagement as a special constable he became a regular member of the force on June 1, 1941.

He served most of his time in the Muskoka area around Bala. Although Shaughnessy sought to advance, a promotion meant that he would have to move away from his life long group friends and family.

After some time he decided that a promotion would allow him to better provide for his family. He studied for advancement successfully and was transferred to Port Colbourne. Shaughnessy received his stripes on May 1, 1953. He boarded at an officer’s home and would travel home to Bala to visit his family on the weekends.

On Sunday, September 19, 1953, Shag had just returned from a visit home and was working the evening shift. He later stopped for a coffee, and proceeded along the Forks Road in Wainfleet Township about ten miles from Welland. It was on this road that Shaughnessy tried to maneuver a turn near a big bend when his patrol car left the road, was airborne, flipped over and came to rest on its roof.

Corporal Harold T. Shaughnessy passed away not long after arriving in Welland Hospital as a result of his injuries.

Ironically, just before his accident, Shaughnessy had obtained a transfer back to his hometown.

Shaughnessy was survived by his wife and five children.