Personal Details
George Caldecott Taylor was born in High Street, Whitchurch in 1890, the second son of William and Arena Taylor of 69, Talbot Street, Whitchurch.
George was engaged in the Teaching Profession before enlisting in August 1914. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in April 1916.
Military Details
Regiment : 2/5th (Territorial Home Service) Battalion Cheshire Regiment (Earl of Chester’s)
Rank : Sergeant
Service Number : 3074
Died of Illness; United Kingdom 17th July 1916 Age 26
The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
Further Information
Report in the Whitchurch Herald 22nd July 1916 on the death of George Caldecott Taylor
"George Caldecott Taylor was taken ill at Bedford, sent home on a sick furlong, but was admitted to the Military Hospital, at Prees Heath when his condition got worse. Subsequently Enteric developed and in spite of all that was possible being done for him, he gradually sank, and passed away on Monday the 17th July 1916."
Whitchurch Herald 22nd July 1916
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Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives