Alnwick Gazette Almanack 1916
Strand Military Cemetery: Pauline Priano
Strand Military Cemetery: Pauline Priano
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Matthew Williamson Taylor, one of 8 children of whom only 7 survived, was the 3rd born of 4 sons and had 3 younger sisters. His father William was born in 1866 at Alnwick, Northumberland, as was his mother Esther Shepherd in 1869, they were married at Alnwick in 1887. Their eldest child William Heywood Taylor was born in 1889, George Shepherd Taylor 1891 whilst they were living at 5, West Parade, William Snr, employed as a tailor, was also a professional musician (violin), Esther a dressmaker for her own account. Over the next ten years they had a further 3 children, Matthew Williamson born during 1st quarter (Jan/Feb/Mar) 1893 was baptised April 8th, Norman 1895 and Hilda 1901. They had moved to Market Place, by 1901, William Snr continued with both his professions, however, his wife now dedicated herself to the family with the help of her widowed mother Eleanor Shepherd who lived with them. Their youngest daughters Esther and Gladys were born in 1904 and 1907 respectively, they were living in 5 rooms at Bondgate, Alnwick, in 1911. William Taylor in the census of 1911 is listed as a merchant tailor, William Jnr (22) a house painter, George (20) a fishing reel maker, Matthew (18) a solicitor’s clerk, Norman (16) a watchmaker’s shop assistant, Hilda (7) and Gladys (4) both attended school.
When war was declared with Germany Matthew Williamson Taylor enlisted at Alnwick, Northumberland, assigned as Private 1959 to the 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers which had been re-designated as the 1/7th Battalion after the commencement of hostilities, a battalion of the first line Territorial Force destined for service overseas. After the completion of training and immediately prior to him being posted to France, he was married in April 1915 to local girl, Eleanor Snowdon born 1881.
He departed April 21st 1915 and was attached to the 149th Brigade, 50th Northumbrian Division, May 1915. Private Taylor joined his regiment on the Ypres salient in Belgium where it had been participating during the 2nd Battle of Ypres since April 22nd 1915 which concluded May 25th. They remained in the trenches around Armentieres and Kemmel until moving south, participating during the final stages of the Battles of the Somme.
Having risen through the ranks the now Sergeant 1959 Matthew Williamson Taylor Northumberland Fusiliers was killed in action, July 22nd 1915 and initially buried in a small concentration at map reference Sh. 36. C. 27. b. 83 Epinette Road Cemetery, Houplines, France, a cross bearing his name and military details marking his grave.
After the Armistice at the request of the French and Belgian Governments smaller concentrations and isolated graves were brought into larger cemeteries. The remains of Sergeant Taylor and several others were exhumed and brought into Strand Military Cemetery, 12.5 kilometres from Ypres, Belgium, January 2nd 1920 and re-buried with military honours. Sergeant 1959 Matthew Williamson Taylor Northumberland Fusiliers is at rest grave IX. F. 3. At the time of his demise in 1915 he was 22 years of age.
His widow Eleanor received all monies due to him from the Army, a pension for herself only as they had no children and his awards of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Eleanor re-married at Alnwick in 1929 to John H. Gardner, further details unknown.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
A brief article about him appears in Howick's First World Wars Stories"; Avril and Arthur Meaking; The Howick Heritage Group, 2015.
Matthew Williamson Taylor is remembered at Alnwick on A11.03, A11.09, A11.22, A11.56 and A11.59
