8th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment (British Army)
Died:
21/05/1940 (Killed in Action)
Age:
22
Summary
James Taylor was from Aughnacloy. He was born about 1918. Lance Corporal James Taylor was serving with the 8th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment when he was killed in Belgium on the 21st May 1940. He was killed during the battle on the line of the River Scheldt (Escaut) before the final withdrawal to Dunkirk.
Further Information
James Taylor was from Aughnacloy. He was born about 1918.
There was a James Taylor born on 3rd February 1919 in the Aughnacloy area. His mother’s maiden name was Anderson.
Lance Corporal James Taylor was serving with the 8th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment when he was killed in Belgium on the 21st May 1940.
The 2nd, 1/7th and 8th Battalions of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment were part of the BEF in France and Belgium. Like other units they had to fight their way back to the beaches of Dunkirk. The 1/7th and 8th Battalions were in Belgium. On 16th May, with the Allied front crumbling rapidly, they were ordered back. With the Germans advancing in a pincer movement there was a danger that the BEF would be cut off. 143 Brigade (including 1/7th and 8th Battalion) was sent to defend the Ypres-Comines canal zone. The lives of many thousands rested on the depleted force. The troops withstood the assault of three German Divisions on the 27th and 28th May. This saved 2nd Corps and did much to aid the successful withdrawal of the BEF. However, the loss of life amongst the three Battalions was great. On their return to England their combined strength was less than 700 men (about one battalion).
Lance Corporal James Taylor is buried in Bruyelle Cemetery in Belgium. All but one of the men buried in Bruyelle War Cemetery died in May 1940, during the battle on the line of the river Scheldt (Escaut) before the final withdrawal to Dunkirk.
James’ brother, Jack Taylor, was the only man to be awarded the George Medal and The British Empire Medal.
Many thanks to Marian McCurdie for providing all the details of Lance Corporal James Taylor.
