Alexander Robert Taylor

Killed in Action on the 21/04/1915 by shellfire near Ypres

Alexander and the Battalion were in Ghorpuri Barracks, Poona, India in August 1914. On the 14/10/1914 they departed on troop ship "Saturnia", landing at Devonport on the 16th November. They were part of the 81st Brigade, 27th Division and arrived at Le Havre on the 20/12/1914. THIS IS THE ONLY MATCH FOR ALEXANDER. He is listed as ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS on the Coatbridge Memorial. Alexander was Killed in Action by shellfire. He died during a failed attempt by the British to capture the tactically significant Hill 60 which was 3 miles south of Ypres and overlooked the British positions. Hill 60 had been taken by the Germans in November 1914. The day after Alexander fell the Division were involved in the Battle of Grafenstafel, 22nd - 23rd April 1915. This was part of the Battles of Ypres (Second Ypres), 22nd April - 25th May 1915: Often known as the Second Battle of Ypres, this began with surprise German attack using poison gas against French North African forces holding defences near Ypres. Both sides rushed reserves in and the Battle developed into the second epic in that area. British Second Army withdraws to a shorter line near Ypres. See photos for Alexander's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report, Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport Farm) and the Cameron Highlanders Cap Badge.