No.1111, Lance Corporal, John Ellis TAYLOR
Aged 20
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John Ellis Taylor was born in Soham on 13th January 1895, (Newmarket Q1-1895 3B:546), baptised in Stuntney on 15th March 1895, son of Ellis Staples and Annie Cole TAYLOR (née AMBROSE) of Eye Hill House Soham.
1901 census...Aged 6, he was at Eye Hill House, Soham with his father Ellis TAYLOR [35] a farmer; his mother Annie [35] born Stuntney; sisters Mary [9] and Dorothy [8]; brothers Owen [4] and Cole [2]. All except his mother were born in Soham. 1911 census...Aged 16, learning farming, he was still at Eye Hill House with his parents; sisters Mary A and Dorothy A; brothers Owen S and Cole A S. |
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He enlisted in Churn.
"de RUVIGNY's Roll of Honour" has :- TAYLOR, John Ellis - Lance Corporal, # 1111, Buckinghamshire Yeomanry (Royal Bucks Hussars)(T.F.). Eldest son of Ellis Staples Taylor of Eye Hill House, Soham, Cambridgeshire, by his wife Annie Cole, dau. of Cole Ambrose of Stuntney Hall, Ely; born Eye Hill House aforesaid, 13th Jan.1895, educated King's School, Ely; volunteered after the outbreak of war, and enlisted 31st August 1914, went to Egypt with his regiment in April 1915; left for Dardenelles 13th Aug.1915 and was reported missing on 21st Aug. after the charge of the Yeomanry at Burnt Hill, under Lord Longford. Major W.E.St.John wrote that the spot was a very inferno, a sort of No Mans Land, shelled by the enemy and friends alike, adding, "He (Taylor) was just one of the best. I knew him too well to doubt that he died anyway but as a gentleman and in just the way he would like to die." Later, in Dec 1915, one of his comrades wrote through the Red Cross Society to say that he saw him instantly killed whilst charging up the hill. He was a very good shot and was full marksman in the Regiment. Unm. |
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Cambridgeshire Times 12th Sept 1915...SOHAM CORPORAL REPORTED MISSING - CORPORAL J. E. TAYLOR.
Much regret has been occasioned by the news that has been received by Mr and Mrs Ellis Taylor of Eye Hill Farm Soham, concerning their eldest son Corpl. John E. Taylor, who is officially reported missing. Corpl. Taylor, who belonged to the Royal Bucks. Hussars, enlisted almost at the outbreak of war, and having been through a considerable amount of training, he left this country about six months ago for Egypt. In a letter home to his parents he commented on the rough passage and the exciting encounter the transport had with an enemy vessel during the voyage. He subsequently contracted blood poisoning in the hand and was granted a short leave , during which time he visited an uncle at Cairo. He eventually landed with others of his regiment in the Dardanelles, and from the news obtained from various sources it does not appear that he had been in action many days before he was cut off from his company and reported missing. The news concerning the young soldier, who was only 20 years of age, has been received with mingled feelings of regret and sympathy for his family. Corpl. Taylor, whose photograph we publish herewith, has a brother, Lieut. Owen Taylor, who, it is pleasing to record, has obtained a commission out of the ranks, and is now, after successfully passing an examination, assisting in the work of instruction and drilling. Cambridgeshire Times 17th Nov.1915.................SOHAM CORPORAL KILLED IN ACTION In our issue of Sept. 17th we announced the sad news which had been received by Mr and Mrs Ellis S. Taylor, of Eye Hill House Soham, that their eldest son , was officially reported as missing. The parents naturally continued to hope that the worst had not befallen him, but that hope has now been dispelled by information of his death which has now been received from a comrade of deceased who personally saw him fall in the fight on Hill 70 in Gallipoli. In an interview with this soldier, who has been home in Balham on sick furlough, the parents of Corpl. Taylor learned that death occurred during the memorable attack on Hill 70 in Gallipoli . The charge, he says, was made at dusk, ..... the regiment leaping to their feet, charging right up the hill. They were met by terrible fire, but nothing seemed to stop them in their dash for the summit. During the attack many of their leaders were lost, and many brave soldiers fell. The late Corpl. Taylor who belonged to the Royal Bucks. Hussars , landed in Gallipoli on Aug 19th and from the accounts recently received he was killed two days later. The sad news has occasioned great regret in the locality, where the deceased was extremely well known and held in high regard. His death is regarded as that of a true patriot. His letters home have always been full of expressions of loyalty to his King and country, and the following extract in particular taken from a letter written from Egypt, just prior to his leaving for the front may be quoted: "Whatever happens, you may be sure that I shall do my duty". In a communication received by the bereaved parents from Major St John, reference is made to the deceased soldier. The writer says: " It is hopeless my attempting to make your loss any easier. He was just one of the best. I knew him too well to doubt that he died any way but as a gentleman and in just the way that he would like to die. The spot where he died was a very inferno - a sort of no man's land , shelled by friend and enemy alike" Corpl. Taylor was in his 21st year. He was the grandson of Mr Cole Ambrose, of Stuntney Hall. His brother, Second - Lieutenant, Owen Taylor, left Soham on Sunday under orders to proceed to Egypt. The Royal Bucks Hussars had 33 killed that day, only three have identified graves.
and in Stuntney Church click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details
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