Thomas St. Clair Gifford Taylor

Rank 
Pilot
Regiment 
Royal Flying Corps
Date of death 
17 March 1918
Age of death 
29
Address 
29 Cecil Road
Ilford
Essex
IG1 2EW
Address source 
1911 Census
Cemetery / Memorial 
France
Biography 

Eldest son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Taylor, of Ilford. Born at Busta, Shetland, in 1889. Educated at St Anne's School, Redhill, Surrey, afterwards entering the service of the Railway Passengers' Assurance Co., attaining position of surveyor. When war broke out was a private in the 14th Battalion County of London Regiment (London Scottish), which he had joined nine years before. Proceeding to France in September, 1914, with the first draft of Territorials, he remained there until January, 1915, when he came home on sick leave. Was gazetted in May, 1915, receiving a commission in the 10th Battalion County of London Regiment. Sailed for Dardanelles in September that year, and was invalided home in January, 1916. Returned to France January, 1917, while there reaching the rank of Captain, but in September came home and joined the Rapt Fling Corps. His marriage to Miss Doris L. Reynolds, of 105, Cranbrook Rd. Ilford, took place on 29th September 1917. Left for France as a pilot on 15th March, 1918. Four days later his aeroplane crashed, and both he and his observer were killed instantaneously. He was buried in the British Cemetery at Tincourt. The soldierly qualities and attractive personality Captain Taylor drew to him many friends.

Reproduced from Ilford Scottish Association book of Remembrance (a book of Remembrance for soldiers who fought in the First World War produced by Ilford Scottish Association c.1920)