Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Henry Taylor, a dye works foreman, born 1852 in Burnham Market, Norfolk and his wife Sarah Jane Taylor (nee Beeby, married in the 3rd quarter of 1877 in the Loughborough, Leicestershire district), born 1855 in Loughborough, Leicestershire. Alfred Hall, a schoolboy, was born in the 2nd quarter of 1884 in Loughborough, his siblings were, Albert Henry, a schoolboy, born 1878, Elizabeth Ann, a schoolgirl, born 1880 and Wilfrid Taylor, a schoolboy, born 1883, all his siblings were born in Loughborough, in April 1891 the family home was at Leopold Street, Loughborough. In March 1901 Alfred was employed as an iron turner and was residing in the family home at 86, Leopold Street, Loughborough, together with his father, a dye works foreman, his mother and siblings, Albert, a dye works trimmer, Wilfrid, a dye works trimmer, Elizabeth a hosiery framework knitter and Harriett Brewin (Taylor), born 1888 in Loughborough. In the 3rd quarter of 1910 in the Loughborough, Leicestershire district, Alfred’s father died aged 59. In April 1911 Alfred was absent from the family home at 55, Leopold Street, Loughborough, residing there was his widowed mother and sibling, Albert, a hose trimmer, and Harriet Brewin, a hosiery trade machinist, was recorded as a boarder, Alfred was employed as a railway porter and was residing as a lodger at 43, Bedford Street, Coventry, Warwickshire. Alfred married Amelia Locke in the 1st quarter of 1914 in the Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire district, Amelia was born in 1888 in Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire. Alfred’s widow married Robert Symes in the 3rd quarter of 1916 in the Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire district, they latterly resided at King Street, Whetstone, Leicestershire.
Alfred attested into the Militia to serve an engagement of 6 years on the 2nd September 1901 in Leicester. He gave his place of birth as St. Peter’s, Loughborough, Leicestershire, his age as 19 years and 4 months and his trade or calling as tool grinder, his current employer being Mr. Riley, Falcon Works, Loughborough, Leicestershire. He gave his home address as 86, Leopold Street, St. Peter’s, Loughborough, Leicestershire. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He stated that he was serving as a member of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment. He gave his father Henry Taylor, his mother Sarah Jane Taylor, his older brothers, Albert Taylor and Wilfrid Taylor and sister Elizabeth Taylor, all of 86, Leopold Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire, as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 9½ inches in height, weighed 126 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 33 and 35½ inches. His complexion was described as fresh, his hair colour was dark brown and he had brown eyes. He gave his religion as Church of England. It was noted that he had a small mole on the left side of his neck. He was pronounced fit for the Militia on the 2nd September 1901 in Leicester. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 7891 on the 2/9/01. Posted to the 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment (Militia) and commenced 49 days drill training on the 2/9/01. Transferred to the Regular Army (1st Dragoon Guards) in the 14/10/01. Alfred was awarded the 1914 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 30 Oct-14 – ZANDVOORDE. Heavy bombardment of position opened. At 7.30am position was attacked by large force of infantry. This attack proved successful owing to greatly superior numbers. Regiment retired in good order about 10.00am except “C” Squadron on left flank from which only about 10 men got back. Remainder of Squadron missing. Also one machine gun put out of action. Regiment retired behind 6th Brigade, which turned out to support. 2nd DRAGOONS and 3rd and 4th HUSSARS also came to support, but then withdrew its action. Having gained ZANDVOORDE RIDGE enemy did not pursue the attack very rigorously, it seemed position occupied by 6th Brigade was not attacked. At dusk this position was taken over by 4th Guards Brigade. 8.00pm Regiment billeted in VERBRANDEN MOLEN.
On Friday June 9th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – QUORN GUARDSMAN KILLED. – Private Alfred H. Taylor, Dragoon Guards, who was reported missing in October, 1914, is now reported killed. His mother lives at Leopold-street, Loughborough, and his wife and young child at Quorn.