G H Taylor (1877 - 1918)

George Henry Taylor, baptised at St Leonard’s, Bridgnorth 7th, January 1877 - the son of Henry Taylor, weaver, and his wife, Harriet. The family lived on Cartway and, later, St Leonards Close.

George worked on his own account as a photographer. He was married – probably to Ann E Beavan at Bridgnorth in 1916. In 1918 his widow lived in Pound Street.

George served with the Monmouth Regiment, later moving to the 5th Battalion South Wales Borderers. He died of wounds on the 19th April, 1918 – probably sustained during the Battle of Messines on the 10th/11th. He is buried in the Communal Cemetery at Wimereux – where there was an important hospital centre.

Private Taylor, 39391 (formerly 4710, Monmouthshire Regiment) was awarded the Victory and British medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal on 27th April, 1918.

WOUNDED
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 20th April, 1918]
Mrs Taylor, 6 Pound Street, Bridgnorth, has received official intimation that her husband, Pte. G. H. Taylor, (Pioneer) South Wales Borderers, is severely wounded and dangerously ill, and has also had a letter from the Matron at the hospital stating that he is lying in a critical condition.

DIED FROM WOUNDS
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 27th April, 1918]
Since last week’s issue of the “Bridgnorth Journal” Mrs Taylor, 6 Pound Street, Bridgnorth, has received the official news that her husband, 39391 Pte G. H. Taylor, S.W.B. (Pioneers), had died of wounds in France on April 19th. One leg was amputated, but gas gangrene poisoning set in with fatal results. A letter from the Matron, saying how brave and patient he had been, was received, also a wire from the War Council expressing their sympathy and regret.