No. 16611, Private, Alfred Edward TAYLOR
Aged 24
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Alfred Edward Taylor was born in Chippenham on 7th December 1891 (Newmarket Q1-1892 3B;527), baptised in Chippenham
on 17th January 1892, the son of Alfred and Susannah TAYLOR (née BANKS).
He was admitted to Chippenham Junior Middle Infants' School in 1895, living in Chippenham 1901 census...Aged 9, he was at Malting Yard, Chippenham with his father Alfred TAYLOR,[35] agricultural labourer, born in Chippenham, his mother Susannah [36] born Hargrave; his sister Ethel [13] and brother Albert A. [1], both born in Chippenham. 1911 census...Aged 19, a farm labourer, he was still at Malting Yard, Chippenham, with his parents, brother Albert and a new brother, Horace [8] born in Chippenham. His younger brother Albert Arthur died of his wounds in September 1918 see here. |
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He enlisted in Newmarket. On 19th June the 11th Suffolks were in Becourt Wood, simply manning the line and being readied for the great battle to come on 1st July. Alfred's was the only death in the battalion that day. The Bury Free Press of 1st July 1916 recorded:- CHIPPENHAM MAN'S DEATH AT THE FRONT - Quite a gloom was cast over the village on Sunday morning when the news of the death of PrivateAlfred E.Tyalor was received from the Chaplain of 101st Infantry Brigade. This makes the the third brave young fellow from Chippenham who have given their lives for their country. Private Taylor was one of a group who joined the Army in November 1914. The first six months of training was spent at Cambridge, and later he was, with his regiment, the 11th Suffolks, moved to various places. Since January they have been at the front. He was in his 25th year. Of a cheery and kindly disposition, he was very popular with his comrades, and as a soldier he did his duty in every way as the appended letter (not appended) from his Platoon Commander testifies.Much sympathy is felt with his father and brothers and sisters. A memorial service for the deceased will be held on Sunday evening at the Parish Church. |
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