72543, Lieutenant, Orton Sidney TAYLOR
Aged 25
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Born on 3rd August 1916 [Cambridge 3b:742] to John Goodchild and Emily Bowyer TAYLOR (née ARNOLD) of 19 Rustat Road, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge.
One time member of Haileybury College O.T.C. In the 1939 register, at Bassett House, Bury Road, Newmarket were his father John G [4-1-1889] a solicitor, and his mother Emily B [10-1-1887], there is one closed record. In Q3-1939 in Newmarket, he married Rosamonde SCUDAMORE. They were at Bassett House, Bury Road, Newmarket. He was about to join the family firm of solicitors when the war intervened. His widow founded the school that was to become Fairstead House, Fordham Road. There is a discrepancy in the dates between "Battalion at War" and the CWGC who give it as 11th February |
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The taking of Water Tower Hill in Singapore on 13th February 1942. “Battalion at War” by Michael Moore, regarding ‘Reinforcement’ Company, recounts that “ Capt. Marriott ( of Newmarket and also on this website) was again wounded, shot through the body by a burst of machine gun fire, but his brave action gave his men encouragement to continue the assault. Lt Orton Taylor immediately took command and led the attack towards the summit.... Although the attack had been successful, a number of snipers still remained hidden in the long grass and Lt Taylor, who had led the final assault, was killed while giving assistance to a wounded man, thought to be Lt Kennett. This officer had been very popular and had been well liked by the troops. His death robbed the Battalion of a fine officer who had shown outstanding leadership and great coolness under fire" Orton was initially buried 27th May 1946.in Sime Road Cemetery and re-interred in Kranji on 27th May 1946. |
his parents' grave Newmarket NG:O551A
photo from asiawargraves.com
© Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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