Category: Military
Rank: Private TF/1572
Regiment or Ship: 5th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment
Service Number(s): TF/1572
Occupation: Errand Boy at Grocers on Station Road owned by Mr D B McGregor.
Date of Birth: 1894
Date of Death: 28.03.1915
Place of Burial / Memorials:
Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez
Address: 6 Cumberland Road, Sidley
Photos and newspaper articles
Click on any image to see a larger version
Family Information
Parents: William Taylor and Lizzie Taylor lived at Pond Cottage, Glovers Lane, Sidley during the War.
Siblings:
Charles M Taylor W0115 TAYLOR Charles M (Sapper)
Furlenn Thomas Taylor born 1894. W0117 TAYLOR Furlenn Thomas (Private)
First World War Experience
He was only 19 years old when he died. He was shot through the head while in an advanced trench. His parents learnt of his death through letters sent home to them from his friends which arrived long before the official death notice.
Sergeant E Harman a personal friend wrote:
“It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you of the death of a great friend of mine, namely Private Frank Taylor of Bexhill. He was shot through the head while in the advanced trench. He was a brave chap, and was esteemed by all who knew him, and I am sure his parents have the deepest sympathy of the whole Company in their sad bereavement. He was only 19 years of age, and was killed on the 28th. No man could be more greatly missed”.
Captain Grant wrote:
“I hope that it will comfort you to know in your great sorrow that he was killed doing his duty most gallantly in an exposed position, and that his death was absolutely painless. He was greatly liked and respected by both officers and men, and his death has caused us very great sorrow. His body was brought in the same day and properly and reverently buried, the Colonel reading the service”.
Frank was the first Bexhill Territorial to be killed in the War and was the 22nd Bexhill man to lose his life.
W0116 (4) TAYLOR Frank (Private) A WARM SHOP article from the Bexhill Observer
Additional Information
According to the Bexhill Observer in the article reporting his death, it also states he was well known in Sidley as a footballer and cricketer.