Name
Christopher G Taylor
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
17/10/1918
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
163257
Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
36th Coy.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 (Mons) Star, British War and Victory Medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TERLINCTHUN BRITISH CEMETERY, WIMILLE
V. F. 27.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hatfield Town Memorial, Hatfield In Memoriam Book, Not listed on the Hertfordshire Regimental Memorial, All Saints Church, Hertford
Pre War
Christopher was the son of Ernest and Annie Taylor, born in Halesworth in 1898.
In the 1901 Census Christopher is living with his parents and siblings in Halesworth, Suffolk. His father was working as a brewer’s labourer. By 1911 Christopher was 12 and at school and now leaving with his family in Park St, Hatfield. His father was now working at the Hatfield Gas Company, as a gas stoker.
Officially recorded as born in Hatfield (but probably miss-transcribed and should be living) and enlisted in Hatfield.
Wartime Service
Christopher enlisted in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment, No 2359 – a number which suggests he joined prior to January 1914 and so was a pre-war Territorial. Later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, No 163257.
The Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of September 1914, recorded Christopher in a list of men mobilised from Hatfield. "Taylor, Christopher, Park St. Territorials."
The Herts Advertiser dated 1.6.1918, reported: "Pte Christopher Taylor of Park Street Hatfield who went out with the Herts. Regt. in 1914 is also suffering from gas poisoning and is in hospital in Birmingham. He was wounded in August last."
The Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of November 1918, recorded: "Private Christopher Taylor, 1st Herts. and M.G.C. Killed October 17TH at the age of 20 had a remarkable career. He enlisted at the age of 16 and was one of the heroes of the retreat from Mons, and though stretcher bearer and bomber in turn, passed unscathed until he met his death. He was wounded in the back and thigh and died we thankfully say, after only a short suffering in the 14th Stationary Hospital. His brother we note received the military medal."
Awarded the 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal.
Additional Information
Hatfield Parish Council Souvenir Committee Ledger: Mrs E, Taylor (Mother) of Halls Yard, Park St., Hatfield, received an “In Memoriam & Roll of Honour Album”.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
