1331, Private, Harold TAYLOR
Aged 19
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Harold Taylor was born in Abram, Lancashire (Wigan Q4-1895 8C:90), baptised in Abram on 9th November 1895, son of Isaac and Margaret TAYLOR (née JENKINS).
1901 census...Aged 5, he was at 12 Kingsdown Road, Abram, Lancashire with his father Isaac TAYLOR [40] colliery surface foreman, born Golborne; his mother Margaret [32] born Westleigh; brother Isaac [10] born Golborne; sisters Margorie Mary [2] and Margaret [1 month] like Harold, born in Abram. 1911 census...Aged 15, farmer's son,he was at Manor Farm, Quendon with his parents, brother Isaac (working on farm) and sister Margaret Fanny. One sibling had died. He was engaged to Millicent Gladys REEVE who later, in 1919) married his brother Isaac. Apparently his parent moved to Balsham in 1920, to the Post Office, hence his name in the Roll of Honour but not on the actual memorial. |
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Harry enlisted in Colchester when resident in Quendon. He arrived in France 8 days too late for receiving the clasp to his 1914 Star.
The book "The 10th (P. W. O.) Royal Hussars and the Essex Yeomanry during the European War, 1914-1918" by LT.-COL F, H. D. C. WHITMORE,
C.M.G., D.S.O., T.D., D.L, Commanding Essex Yeomanry, names all the casualties on the 13th May 1915, which included Harold Taylor.
The unit (dismounted) were digging a communications trench on the night of 12th/13th at Bellewarde, part of the 2nd battle of Ypres, which had to be abandoned due to heavy enemy fire. On the morning of 13th they were in support west of the Potijze - Verlorenhoek road on the edge of Potijze Chateau. They attacked and took a German trench, but heavy rain, mud and artillery fire forced a retirement, but earning praise from superior command. He had been wounded earlier in the war. It is reported that 'he was as brave and steady as any veteran. In the course of the fight he was buried in debris by a shell which exploded quite close to him, but managed to emerge with only a slight wound in the face. Later on he was wounded severely in the thigh. He was buried by the relieving 6th Hussars. CWGC figures show 56 Essex Yeomanry killed 13th/14th May, just 2 having an identified grave.
also the Roll of Honour at Quendon and Rickling Village Hall. click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
