Huthwaite War Memorial
1914 - 1918 Remembrance
John William Taylor
Private 20521 - York and Lancaster Regiment
1st/4th (Hallamshire) TF Battalion
Enlisted: Sutton-in-Ashfield March 1916
Killed in Action Flanders 12th June 1917 : Aged 31
Loos Memorial - Panel 105 and 106
Huthwaite Online WW1 Remembrance
Private 20521 John W Taylor was born 1886 in Blackwell. Parents 2nd Aug 1881 marriage in neighbouring Derbyshire, between Mr Charles Taylor 33 and the Robin Hood Inn publicans daughter Miss Mary Jane Ward Ball 25 added their own family address.
Fullest Taylor household is listed by 1891 census headed by father Charles, a 44 year old Farm Labourer. Wife Mary 34 mothers two sons, George 9, and John William 5, as well as housing a 13 year old niece Ellen Taylor plus border Thomas Cox 39. Death of their father next lists an 1901 widowed Mrs Mary J W Taylor with her two sons just before moving into Huthwaite 
Mr John William Taylor was a 26 year old Grocers Assistant by time 1901 census caught him in South Normanton visiting work colleagues who boarded at 5 New Street. Continuing to live with mother in Huthwaite, Mrs Mary Jane Ward Taylor was housed in a rather fine Cambridge villa, sharing her widower brothers home headed by Mr Luke Ward Ball at a future 119 Blackwell Road. Older married brother George would serve the war effort stationed at Farnborough in the Royal Flying Corps.
Private John William Taylor enlisted at Sutton, leaving behind his position leading the Huthwaite Young Mens Bible Class. He joined the army in 1916 as Pte 38549 John W Taylor of the Northumberland Fusiliers. May leave preceded active service.
Private 20521 John William Taylor was ultimately distinguished following transferal to the York and Lancaster Regiment. A year after landing in France with their 1/4 Hallamshire battalion, he was killed in action by shrapnel amid the Flanders battle fields on 12th June 1917, aged 31. The stained glass window dedicated to all Huthwaite All Saints Parish Church Bible Class members lost in the Great War was unveiled by his invalid mother. The funeral of 78 year old Mrs Mary Jane Ward Taylor was reported by the Notts Free Press 29th March 1935. That furthermore names family members among attending mourners.
A farewell tea for J.W. Taylor who left on Monday to join the forces. He was leader of the Young Mens Bible Class and there were 40 members of the class present together with 20 members of the Girl’s guild. Both the class and guild subscribed to a smokers set for him which included a silver matchbox. cigarette case and cigarettes. T. Goodall was to act in his absence.
When Private Taylor was on leave he was asked to present a porcelain clock set to Mr. And Mrs Arthur Allsop donated by the Parish Church Men’s Bible Class.
LOCAL SOLDIERS KILLED - PRIVATE J.W. TAYLOR.
One of the most popular and respected young men in Huthwaite to fall in the war is Private John Wm. Taylor, A Company, 1/4th Yorks. and Lancs., who lived before joining the army at Cambridge Villa, Blackwell Road, Huthwaite, along with his widowed mother, who is a chronic invalid. Private Taylor is a native of Blackwell and has spent nearly all of his working career in the local shops of Messrs Hunters, being at their South Normanton branch when he joined up (in March of last year) in the Northumberland Fusiliers, and was afterwards transferred to the regiment mentioned. He was 31 years of age, and at Huthwaite took a keen interest in Parish Church work, being a sidesman and leader of the Men’s Bible Class. He had been just a year in France, the official notice being dated June 27th, 1917. A letter from his Captain states that he was killed instantaneously by shrapnel, and sends the sympathy of the officers and men as follows:-
It is with great regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, Private J.W. Taylor. He was killed instantaneously by shrapnel and suffered no pain. His officer was wounded at the same time, and he told me how bravely your son had carried out his duties that night during a raid which was made on the German trenches. He was a fine soldier and very popular with everyone in the Company. All the officers and men of the Company join with me in expressing the deepest sympathy for you in your great loss – Edward M. Holmes, Captain
His other brother (who is married) is in the R.F.C., and is at Farnborough.
23 Jul 06 by Gary Elliott Updated 04 Feb 21