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Taylor, Henry Jefferys Leigh

Date of death:
September 23rd, 1944
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Cemetery Mierlo
Plot: V. Row: B. Grave: 7.
Service number:
188501
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Chaplain 4th class
Royal Army Chaplains' Department
Age 31

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Chaplain to the Forces, 4th Class
The Rev. Taylor is attached as chaplain to 8th Bn. The Rifle Brigade. On 4 and 5 Aug 1944 The Rev. Taylor was attached to 8th Bn. Rifle Bde. R.A.P. which was established at LE BAS BERIER. During these 48 hrs. the R.A.P. was under continual shell fire and mortar fire and it was impossible to evacuate casualties because the centre line was occupied by the enemy. Mr. Taylor, during this time, showed complete disregard for his safety, ministering to the wounded and helping the M.O. who was very overworked, in every way possible. He also visited Coys of 8 R.B. while under fire and was a constant source of inspiration to the whole Bn. From 6-10 Aug the R.A.P. was at PRESLES and Mr. Taylor, again showing complete indifference to enemy shell fire and mortar fire which was continuous, worked in the R.A.P. as a second Medical Officer in addition to carrying out his normal duties.

By his prompt and reverent action in the burying of our dead and his patient and understanding care of the wounded Mr. Taylor contributed very greatly to maintaining the high morale of the Bn. under very difficult conditions and in most difficult times.
Military Cross (MC)

War Diary mentions

11 March 1944 WO 171/866 - 3 Royal Tank Regiment
Bn Messing Committee meeting. Lt. S. Farningham promoted A/Capt. Rev. H.J.L. Taylor CF (C of E0 attached to Unit. Major H.L. Upcott-Gill assumes command of Bn during absence of C.O. on leave.

27 September 1944 WO 171/866 - 3 Royal Tank Regiment
Memorial Service for Rev. J. Taylor at Bde HQ.

27 November 1944 WO 171/1359 - 8 Rifle Brigade
The following awards were announced MCs, Majors Bradford and Bell. Capts Starker, and Willcox, Lieut Coryton, Rev J.L. Taylor. DCM L/Sjt Pratt: MM Cpl Shutz, Rfn Bennett.

Sources

  • Photo 1: Findagrave
  • Photo 2: Jeroen Koppes
  • - https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2081178/the-rev-henry-jefferys-leigh-taylor/