Harold Sutton Shapcott was the fourth son born to William Warren and Eliza Page Shapcott. He was born 19 March 1898 after his older brothers Francis Lucien (1889-1968), Herbert Thomas (1890-1966) and William Percival Jeffery (1890-1966). He had two younger siblings: Bessie Winifred (1899-1975); and Eric Alfred (1902-1918).
Born and raised in the Ipswich area of Queensland, he enlisted for service 1 December 1915. At the time he was working at the Railway Works Accountant's Office as an apprentice clerk. He stated his age was 19, but he was only 17. He had turned 18 when he embarked Australia in June 1916. After serving with the 41st and 42nd Battalions, he returned home in May 1919 and continued his employment with the railways and commenced studies in accountancy. During the Second World War, he served with 9 Battalion Volunteers Defence Corps Queensland from April 1942 (discharge date unknown).
Harold married Dorothy Mary Gillespie on 8 October 1927 and they had four children. His brother Francis, had at least two sons, Warren Alfred and Graham Sutton, and his brother Herbert had a daughter Pamela Mary (married name Wriede). Harold's brother Percival had at least three sons: Harold James; Jeffery William and Leonard Jack, and a daughter Mavis Yvonne, all who served during the Second World War. The 1958 Electoral Roll records John Arthur Shapcott, Robert Sutton Shapcott and Thomas William Shapcott living with Harold and Dorothy, but they do not appear on any other rolls as living at that address. Their niece Mavis was recorded living with them on the 1943 Electoral Roll.
Harold held a number of notable positions in the Ipswich area, with strong associations with the Ipswich RSL, Legacy, Chambers of Commerce and Manufacturers and was President of Rotary. In 1930 he was made Assistant Manager of the Queensland Times newspaper, and in November 1937 was appointed commissioner for Scouts in the Ipswich area.
Harold Sutton Shapcott died 10 March 1972.