Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Second Lieutenant H. G. B. Taylor, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), late London Regiment, who was killed in action leading his platoon in an attack at Bouleaux Wood during the Battle of the Somme, 16 September 1916, on which dated the 1st/7th Battalion suffered over 300 casualties

1914-15 Star (2655 Pte. H. G. B. Taylor. 16. Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut. H. G. B. Taylor) last two in named card box of issue, extremely fine (3) £70-£90

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to Great War Casualties.

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Herbert George Brooks Taylor attested for the London Regiment, and served with the 16th Battalion (Queen’s Westminster Rifles) during the Great War on the Western Front from 24 January 1915. Wounded by a piece of shell on 3 May 1915, he was subsequently commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Duke of Cambridge’s Own Middlesex Regiment on 4 August 1915, and was killed in action on 15 September 1916, whilst leading his platoon in action Bouleaux Wood during the Battle of the Somme. The first two Companies, “A” and “C” Companies, moved forward at 8:20 a.m., and Battalion historian Colonel E. J. King records that these were in a moment practically annihilated, leaving just 25 men. There was no hesitation when “B” and “D” Companies advanced, but these also came under heavy fire, and the Battalion as a whole suffered 300 casualties out of an attacking strength of 500, of whom 125 were killed.

In a letter to his widow,Taylor’s Colonel wrote: ‘He had not been with us very long, but he had gained the respect and liking of all of us. A very good officer, he will be difficult to replace, and his services can be ill-spared by his country. I beg that you will accept in your great sorrow the deepest sympathy of myself and my officers.’

Taylor is buried in Combles Communal Cemetery Extension, France, with his headstone incorrectly recording the date of his death as 16 September 1916 (although the Battalion War Diary confirms that he died on 15 September).

Sold with named Record Office enclosure for the three medals, and copied research.