Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Benjamin Shipman, a builder, born 1861 in Ratby, Leics., and his wife Mary Emma Shipman (nee Johnson), born 1863 in Worcester. Albert was born in 1895 in Ratby, Leics., his siblings were, Florence, a hosiery trade winder, born 1882, Thomas, a bricklayer’s apprentice, born 1884, William, a bricklayer’s apprentice, born 1886, Harry, born 1888, John Clarence, born 1890, Bertha Anne, born 1898 and Alan Wilfred, born 1901, all his siblings were born in Ratby, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at Stamford Street, Ratby, Leics. In April 1911 Albert was employed as a shoe trade worker and was residing in the family home at Main Street, Ratby, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Harry, a plumber, John, a bricklayer, Bertha, assisting in the family business and Allen a schoolboy. On Monday March 12th 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL CASUALTIES” It is officially announced that Private Albert Shipman, fifth son of Mr and Mrs Benjamin Shipman, of Ratby, has died of wounds received in action. The deceased was shot in the head on March 2nd, died on the 5th, and was interred the following day. He was a younger brother of the well known Leicestershire fast bowler, Wm. Shipman, and previous to the outbreak of war was on the ground staff of the Leicestershire C.C. The Leicester Mercury of 1st April 1917 carried the following entry under the title, ROLL OF HONOUR: Pte. A. Shipman. Leicester's, died of wounds March 5th. His home was at Ratby. He was on the ground staff of the Leicestershire County C.C., being a brother of Wm. Shipman, the well known county professional. The article also carried a photograph. In the same edition under the following heading, “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” - The following local casualties are officially reported:- DIED OF WOUNDS. LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT.- Shipman, 242522 A. (Ratby). The War Diary for today records. SOUASTRE. 2 inches of snow fell in the night. At 10.00am lecture by Commanding Officer on recent operations in YMCA hut. A and B Coy’s at 10.00am. C and D Coy’s at 11.00am. Work clearing of snow which was fast thawing. At 3.30pm lecture by the Brigadier General Commanding to officers in ‘Whizz Bang’ hall, on recent operations, over at 4.00pm. At 4.30pm the General Officer Commanding presented ribbons to some LINCOLNSHIRE REGT and 4th Battn LEICESTERSHIRE REGT and then spoke to all Officers Commanding on patrolling. Our Battn is complimented by all on their good work. Sun thawing snow, but sharp frost at night.