Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John William Taylor (Junior), a bell founder, born 1854 in Loughborough, Leicestershire and Annie Mary Taylor (nee Bardsley, married in the 2nd quarter of 1884 in the Loughborough, Leicestershire district), born 1861 in Sherwood, Nottinghamshire. Gerard Bardsley was born on the 12th May 1886 in Loughborough, his siblings were, Josephine, born 1889, Phyllis Mary, born 1890 and Pryce, born 1891, all his siblings were born in Loughborough, in April 1891 the family home was at Bell Foundry House, Freehold Street, Loughborough. In March 1901 Gerard was absent from the family home at 53, Freehold Street, residing there was his father, a bell founder, his mother and siblings, Phyllis, Arnold Bradley, born in the 1st quarter of 1894 and Gwendoline, born 1895, Gerard was residing together with his elder brother John William, born on the 26th March 1885 in Loughborough, as boarders and grammar school pupils at Cann Rectory, Shaftsbury, Dorset. In the 3rd quarter of 1904 in the Loughborough, Leicestershire district, Gerard’s mother died aged 43. In April 1911 Gerard was absent from the family home at 53, Freehold Street, Loughborough, residing there was his father, a bell founder, his step mother Edith Taylor (nee Lea, married in 1909 in the Loughborough, Leicestershire district), born 1876 in Manchester, Lancashire and his siblings, Josephine, Arnold, a bell founder and Pryce, a bell founder. Two of his brothers also died, John William and Arnold Bradley were both killed in action, and his other brother, Lieutenant Pryce Taylor survived the war. Gerard was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 24 Sept-18 - TERTRY, W.8.b.4.0. The Battalion was today in Divisional Reserve with the 71st Infantry Brigade, less one Battalion. The Division attacking with 18th Brigade, plus 1 Battalion of the 71st Infantry Brigade, and the 16th Infantry Brigade. A Battalion Report Centre was opened at X.7.b.9.4. “C” and “D” worked on wiring and consolidation under instructions issued by 71st and 16th Infantry Brigades respectively. 1 man wounded and admitted to the Field Ambulance. 3 men granted 14 days leave to ENGLAND. 1 man admitted to the Field Ambulance sick. Lt. Col. C. TURNER D.S.O. proceeded to ENGLAND on tour of duty at home. Major R. H. RADFORD assumed command of the Battalion. 2nd Lt. G. B. TAYLOR killed in action whilst attached to the 2nd DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY.
The War Diary records: 24 Sep-18 – Near ST. QUENTIN. During night 23/24 the Battalion relieved the 2nd SHERWOOD FORESTERS in the line. On the morning of the 24th the Battalion took part in operations carried out by 171st FRENCH REGIMENT on the right of 6th Division in the centre, and 1st Division on the left. The objectives allotted to the 2nd DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY were [1] DOUAI TRENCH, East of HOLNON from S9a 55.95 – S9c 05.90 and [2] SELENCY and the trench immediately East of it from S9b 70.65 – S9b 25.18 with a liaison post with the trench at the crossroads at S9c 85.63.
Zero hour was fixed for 5.00am when there was brilliant moonlight.
The Regiment attacked with “A” and “B” Companies in front and “C” Company in support less one platoon detached to attack the barricade at S9a 55.95. By 2.30am the assaulting Companies were in position along the line S2d 85.20 – S8b 60.05. “A” Company on the right “B” Company on the left with the platoon attached from “C” Company. The remainder of “C” Company took up position in the sunken road on S2c and S8a.
At Zero hour the barrage came down on DOUAI TRENCH and the assaulting Companies went forward. The right Companies had heavy casualties in the assault, but in spite of three belts of wire practically uncut by shelling they made a footing in DOUAI TRENCH. “B” Company was held up on the left chiefly by very heavy Machine Gun fire and the wire which was thick and in perfect condition. They sustained very heavy casualties losing all their officers. The remainder of the Company withdrew to the jumping off line except a small party which formed a post about S9a 25.85. Meanwhile the right Company was attacked from both flanks by hostile bombing parties and very stiff fighting lasting over an hour, withdrew to the jumping off line, having captured five prisoners. All the officers of this Company became casualties during this phase of the operations. The support Company then established posts about the jumping off line. These posts remained in position throughout the day under heavy rifle and Machine Gun fire from DOUAI TRENCH.
Another attack was launched against DOUAI TRENCH at night by two Companies of the 1st LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. These Companies took over from the posts on the jumping off line about 10.00pm. “C” Company being withdrawn to the vicinity of Battalion Headquarters (X 1.2 central). This attack was finally successful after very heavy casualties.
The casualties during the operation were 7 officers 216 other ranks. Killed Lieutenant SILBARN, Lieutenant M. COHEN M.M., Lieutenant G. B. TAYLOR 11th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT (Attached 2nd DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY) Lieutenant LAMBDEN. Wounded Captain STANDROCK, 2nd Lieutenant ARCHER and 2nd Lieutenant HALL 2nd YORK & LANCASTER REGIMENT (Attached 2nd DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY). Lieutenant LAWSON and 2nd Lieutenant G. HUSBY rejoined the Battalion. 142 Other Ranks joined Battalion.