Norman Alexander Taylor (1894–1988)
Item
Dublin Core
Type
Title
Contributor
Date
Publisher
Format
Language
World War One Veterans Item Type Metadata
Name
Birth Date
Birthplace
Service Number
Enlistment Date
Next of Kin
Address at time of Enlistment
Dandenong, Victoria
Occupation
Marital Status
Death Date
Place of Burial
Sutherland,
New South Wales.
Biographical Text
No.1621 Norman Alexander Taylor
Norman Taylor was born in Healesville, Victoria in 1894 to Alexander William Taylor and Alice Ada Barton. His parents had four children:
- George Cyril Percy Taylor – born 1890
- Leslie Gordon Taylor – born 1892 (AIF 628)
- Norman Alexander Taylor – born 1894 (AIF 1621)
- Victor Barton Taylor – born 1898 (AIF 35037)
In 1914, Norman's parents left Werribee due to his father's health reasons. They had lived in Werribee for 15 to 16 years.
Before enlisting in the A.I.F. in 1915, Norman served with the 69th Battalion Senior Cadets at Werribee. They held meetings at the Werribee Drill Hall, and were supported by Captain Chirnside.
Werribee Shire Banner, 15 August 1912, p.3.
War Service
Norman enlisted on 14 April 1915 at Melbourne Victoria. His unit the 1st Reinforcements 22nd Battalion embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 28 June 1915 for Egypt.
On 17 November 1915, he joined the 13th Light Horse Regiment on the Gallipoli Peninsula. On 6 December 1915, he was admitted to a hospital in Gallipoli, suffering flat feet. He was then transferred on 10 December 1915 to the 1st Auxiliary Hospital, Heliopolis, Egypt suffering from frostbite. On 11 February 1916, he was discharged from hospital back to his unit.
He embarked overseas with Division Troops Depot from Alexandria on 6 August 1916 on board H.T. Majestic. On 15 September 1916, he marched into the 13th Light Horse, 2nd Training Battalion, No 3 Camp Perham Downs.
On 20 October 1916, he was admitted to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital, suffering with Ulcerative Stomach. On 11 December 1916 he was discharged from hospital.
He was then taken on strength at the 7th Battalion from the 8th Battalion on 16 January 1917. He proceeded overseas to France to join Unit ex 2nd Training Battalion on board SS Princess Clementine from Folkestone.
On 21 August 1917, Norman was attached to the 6th Battalion for duty as a bandsman in France until 26 September 1917. Bandsmen were trained soldiers expected to support their battalions in battle. Regulations prescribed that 25 bandsmen could remain behind the lines but they had to be prepared to move to the Transport Lines and assist as carriers during emergencies.
On 13 June 1918, Norman was wounded in action on the field. He was transferred to England on 15 June 1918 and admitted to Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, East London suffering from Gunshot wound right foot. On 20 July 1918 he was transferred to No 3 Command Depot.
Norman left England 21 December 1918 per Hospital transport Mamari, for return to Australia and arrived in Melbourne on 4 February 1919. He was discharged as medically unfit on 29 March 1919 from gunshot wound to right foot.
Post War
Norman married Alice Bertha Densley, at the Presbyterian Church, Werribee on 27 June 1920. Alice was the only daughter of Mr and Mrs W.C. Densley of “Albarcam”, Werribee. Norman’s brother Victor Taylor (served abroad with the A.I.F) acted as best man.
Werribee Shire Banner, 29 July 1920, p.3.
Census records of 1954 have Alice and Norman living on the corner of Kidds Road and Foster Street, La Trobe Dandenong. Records from 1921 to 1949 have Norman living in Dandenong Victoria.
They had two children during their marriage. His wife Alice Bertha passed away on 25 August 1980 in Parkville, Victoria at the age of 87. They had been married 60 years.
Norman passed away on 12 November 1988 at the age of 94. He is buried at the Woronora Cemetery, Sutherland, New South Wales.
Medals & Entitlements:
- 1914/15 Star
- British War Medal
- Victory Medal
Bibliography
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/search?adv=y
AIF Project
https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=296211
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