TAYLOR Bertram Harry

Bertram Taylor was born in 1895 in Draycott, his father was a labourer. Bertram was one of twelve children of which nine were surviving in 1911. He was at home in Draycott until at least 1911, when he was working as a farm labourer.  His personal war records have not survived but there are documents relating to his regiment.  He served with the 10th (Service) Battalion, which was formed soon after the declaration of war.  He enlisted in Campden and his service number and the date of his transfer overseas are typical of those of a volunteer who enlisted during the autumn of 1914.  He deployed to France with his regiment in early August 1915, and within two months was killed in action.  His military history is almost identical to that of Cecil Sandford, another Draycott man commemorated on this memorial, and it is likely that the two men enlisted and served together.

By the time the information was gathered for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission the Taylor family had moved to an address in Lancashire.  Perhaps related is the fact that the last daughter, Dorothy, was born in Lancashire in 1910, though the family was in Draycott the following year.

From Medal Index Card and Regimental medal roll:
Bertram Taylor, Gloucestershire Regiment, Private, 12776, served in France from 9th August 1915, killed in action. Awarded the 1915 Star, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

From Gloucestershire Regiment Museum:
Bertram H. Taylor, born Draycott, 10 Battalion, Private, 12776, enlisted Campden, associated Kirkham, killed in action France, grave ref MR0019.

From Soldiers Effects:
Bertram Taylor, 10(S) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, Private, 12776, killed 25/9/15 in action, £2 3s 3d plus £3 10s War Gratuity, to mother Ada, sole legatee.

Bertram Taylor has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Loos Memorial.