Description
Queen’s South Africa Medal, 5 bars, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast, 4111 Sergeant William James Taylor, 7th Dragoon Guards, rescued his officer on Patrol under heavy enemy fire, granted a mention and immediately promoted to Sergeant.
William James Taylor, was born during 1874 in Staplehurst, Kent. He was a 21 year old Farm labourer when he attested for service, requesting to join the Dragoons of the Line on 16th March 1895, recruited by a Sergt Butcher of the 7th Dragoon Guards, “A very desirable recruit, and wishes to served in the 7th Dragoon Guards.”
The instance of his bravery, west of Kroonstad Railway, noted in Army Order 399, Promotions for Distinguished Gallantry in the Field:
“On 3rd August 1901, a patrol retiring, and Captain Mitchell, 3rd Dragoon Guards, being dismounted, they took a spare horse to him; this being killed. Corporal Taylor then again returned to him and assisted him to mount. On both occasions the Boers were close and firing heavily, and on the second were galloping to capture the Officer.”
He was mentioned in Lord Kitchener’s Despatch of 26th August 1901.
After 15 years he was discharged on 5th October 1910, his conduct was “Exemplary”, his qualifications reading:
“He is a very good horseman and was employed in the Riding School for 4 years, he has been in charge of the Regimental Transport for 2 years of fine satisfaction.”
His service and promotions:
Appointed Lance Corporal 31st April 1900
Appointed Corporal 29th April 1901
Promoted Sergeant 21st August 1901
Service abroad:
Home 16th March 1895 – 7th February 1900
South Africa, 8th Feb 1900 – 8th August 1904
Home, 9th August 1904 – 16th September 1908
Egypt 17th Sept 1908 – 3rd Oct 1910
Home, 4th Oct 1910 – 5th Oct 1910”
