Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

TAYLOR, James Patrick (M.M.)
Driver 512 – 14th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
________________________________________
Early Life
The small north-east Victorian township of Carop, located approximately 50 km west of Shepparton on the Midland Highway, was the birthplace of James Patrick Taylor, born in the spring of 1885 to Alfred Edward and Ellen (Helen, née O’Connor) Taylor.
Much of his early life was spent living with his grandmother in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond, where he attended State School.
Leaving home at a young age, James travelled throughout Victoria undertaking various forms of work. Around 1908, he settled in Swanpool, working for the Renkins, and became an active member of the Swanpool Rifle Club for five years.
During his time in Swanpool, James became acquainted with the McKean family, including Annie, the twin sister of Alfred Backlund.
________________________________________
Enlistment and Departure
On August 8, 1914, just four days after war was declared, recruiting depots were opened across Australia. James enlisted on Thursday, October 22, 1914, in Melbourne.
He was assigned to the 2nd Reinforcement of the 14th Battalion, with the rank of Private (Service No. 1512).
On February 2, 1915, James and his fellow soldiers departed from Port Melbourne aboard the troopship H.M.A.T A46 Clan Macgillivray, bound for Egypt.
________________________________________
War Service
From Egypt, the Battalion proceeded to Gallipoli, where James saw action at:
• Courtney’s Post
• Sari Bair
• Hill 60
On August 26, 1915, he was admitted to hospital due to illness and later transferred via hospital ship to Malta, where he remained until October 1915.
He then rejoined his unit via Mudros and Alexandria, before being redeployed to the Western Front in France, arriving in June 1916.
After a bout of influenza requiring hospitalisation, he returned to active service.
________________________________________
Military Recognition and Injury
On January 20, 1917, Private Taylor was awarded the Military Medal (M.M.) for bravery during actions in late 1916.
Later in 1917, during the Third Battle of Ypres, he was wounded in both feet by shrapnel.
He was evacuated to hospitals in France and England, remaining there until January 11, 1918, before being repatriated to Australia aboard the H.T. Port Darwin.
________________________________________
Return to Civilian Life
Returning to Swanpool, James resumed work and reconnected with family and friends.
On August 31, 1921, he married Annie Backlund at the Lima East Methodist Church.
They had four children:
• Irene
• Stan
• James
• Florence
The family later moved to Stewarton, where James took up wheat farming. However, the Great Depression made farming difficult.
________________________________________
Working Life
In 1935, James began carrying the mail around Stewarton using a horse and gig, covering approximately 35 miles per week.
He was awarded the official mail contract in 1935, which continued until 1938, after which he relocated to Shepparton in 1939.
________________________________________
Second World War Service
At the outbreak of World War II, James again enlisted and served at Tatura with the 17th Garrison Battalion, where he was responsible for Internment Camp No. 1.
He was discharged in 1944.
________________________________________
Medals and Honours
For his military service, James was awarded:
• 1914/15 Star
• British War Medal
• Victory Medal
• Military Medal
• 1939/45 War Medal
• Australian Service Medal
________________________________________
Later Life and Passing
A quiet and reflective man, James enjoyed photography in his later years.
He passed away on May 31, 1972, at St Kilda, and is buried at the Frankston Memorial Park Cemetery.
He was survived by his son James and daughter Florence.
________________________________________
Note
James is listed on several documents, including the Swanpool Honour Roll, as “Taylor.” However, family records indicate the correct spelling should be “Tayler,” as per his parents’ marriage certificate.