TAYLOR, Joseph

Joseph Taylor was born in Cradley and was the son of Mr D Taylor of 42 Windmill Lane, Two Gates, Cradley. He was called up to the Training Reserve in 1917 and was sent to the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, probably in the Spring of 1918. They returned to the Western Front from Italy in April 1918 to be sent immediately into the Battle of the Lys. After re-training they took part in the Advance to Victory, fighting over the old Somme battle-field at Bapaume. In September they faced the Hindenburg Line and on the 29th September in a famous action fought their way across the Canal du Nord. Private Joseph Taylor was killed in action on this critical day, the 29th September, and is buried in Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers-Plouich (IV A 18). He was 19 years of age and is commemorated on the Blackheath, Cradley and Halesowen Memorials.