BACKGROUND

William Edward Taylor was born in 1890 in Lismore, son of Paul & Mary Taylor. There is little record of either him or his family and wife due to the surname being popular and being unable to be specific enough to locate him or his family

AUSTRALIA AT WAR

Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914, and both Prime Minister Joseph Cook and Opposition Leader Andrew Fisher pledged full support for Britain. The outbreak of war was greeted in Australia, as in many other places, with great enthusiasm.

ATTESTATION

William enlisted just 21 days later, on the 25th August. He was a single 22-year-old labourer, eager to do his bit. He enlisted in Lismore, stating his next of kin as his father, Paul Taylor, of Don Dorigo. This was changed later to his wife, Amy, c/- Mrs Hayes, Chillingham. He was serving in the 4^th Light Horse and had been for the past two years

He then signed a declaration confirming he had answered the questions correctly and was willing to voluntarily agree to service in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia

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CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTING OFFICER

On the second page of the attestation documents the attesting confirms the following; “The foregoing questions were read to the person enlisted in my presence. I have taken care that he understood each question, and his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to by him”

OATH

He also made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, William Edward Taylor, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War, and a further four months thereafter unless sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed therefrom: and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and case His Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained; and I will in all matters appertaining to my services faithfully discharge my duty according to law

SO, HELP ME, GOD.” 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

He was 5ft 8 inches tall (1.72M), weighed 11stone (70kgs), with a fair complexion, blue eyes & light brown hair. He had a scar on his left leg near his thigh. William was Church of England.

CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINER

The medical examiner certifies I have examined the abovenamed person, and find that he does not present any of the following conditions, viz: -

Scrofula; phthisis; syphilis; impaired constitution; defective intelligence; defects of vision, voice, or hearing; hernia’ haemorrhoids; varicose veins, beyond a limited extent; marked varicocele with unusually pendent testicle; inveterate cutaneous disease’ chronic ulcers; traces of corporal punishment or evidence of having been marked with the letters D. or B.C; contracted or deformed chest; abnormal curvature of spine; or any other disease or physical defect calculated to unfit him for the duties of a soldier.

He can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints and limbs; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service

CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDING OFFICER

This is completed during the recruits training. William was in Enoggera training camp when this was completed on25^th August 1914. The commanding officer certifies that this attestation of the abovenamed person is correct, and that the required forms have been complied with. He then states “I accordingly approve, and appoint him as a private into the 2nd Light Horse regiments, with service No 458

2^ND LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT

The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was a mounted infantry unit of the Australian Army during World War I. Raised in August 1914; it was part of the 1st Light Horse Brigade. The regiment fought exclusively against the Ottoman Empire. The regiment was composed of mounted infantry, known for their mobility and versatility, and played a significant role in campaigns across Gallipoli, Egypt, Sinai, and Palestine.

They had the reputation of being the most glamorous arm of the Australian Imperial Force. The Light Horse was organised along cavalry lines in regiments of about 600 men. It functioned more like a mounted infantry, with the horses used as transport or, if required, to carry the men swiftly away from the battlefield. The men mostly fought dismounted. The favoured horse was a mixed breed known as the Australian Waler and when fully loaded, they often carried between 130kg and 150kg.

ENOGGERA TRAINING CAMP

They only had a short period of training at Enoggera, where a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. There followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas

The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line.

INNOCULATIONS

All recruits were given a range of inoculations while in camp. The most important jab was to protect against smallpox and typhoid – indeed, having this was an essential precondition of enlisting.

THE UNIFORM

The recruits were issued with their uniform- service dress jacket was made of Australian wool and its loose fit gave the wearer more allowance for movement. The four large pockets were very useful. A unique feature designed for comfort was the pleated back, which provided a double thickness of cloth down the back that the pack rubbed against. Breeches were corduroy worn with wool wrap puttees. The famous khaki felt slouch hat or early service cap is probably the most distinctive part of the uniform. turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge.

SOLDIER’S KIT

Australia's World War I soldiers went to war weighed down by almost 30 kilograms of clothes, weapons, tools and kit.

·      Breeches: made from khaki woollen cord fabric, with side pockets and button flies. Soldiers were issued with two pairs of breeches, plus a pair of dungarees. The breeches ended above the ankles and the gap was filled with puttees.

·      Braces: worn with breeches.

·      Puttees: The men wound these strips of woollen cloth, almost three metres long, upwards from the ankle to just below the knee. Soldiers disliked the puttees, probably with good reason: the tight binding restricted circulation and might even have contributed to the high incidence of trench foot. Mounted troops wore leather leggings.

·      Shirt: Soldiers were given two grey, collarless, flannel shirt, plus a military shirt.

·      Ankle boots: brown and lace-up.

·      Socks: Made from wool or cotton. Soldiers were issued with three pairs.

·      Greatcoat: the khaki woollen coat (which weighed about 3kg) often doubled as a soldier's bedding and was his chief protection against the cold and wet. The coat came into its own when snow hit Gallipoli in November 1915 and also on the Western Front.

·      Jersey

·      Singlets: Soldiers were issued with 2 woollen singlets.

·      Cotton "drawers" (underpants): Soldiers were issued with two pairs.

·      Abdominal belts: a sort of cummerbund that was issued to keep soldiers warm and supposedly ward off disease.

·      Backpacks and webbing: The main backpack was a rectangular sack measuring about 15 inches x 13 inches, closed at the top by a folding cover secured by two straps. The webbing included a web belt, cartridge pouches, small haversack, bayonet frog, an entrenching tool holder (plus another holder for its handle), and a water-bottle holder.

·      Identity disc: Soldiers were initially issued with one medal "dog tag" on a cord, but later in the war they were given two tags, made of compressed fibre.

·      Soldiers were also issued with a "housewife" - a sewing kit containing such items as needles, thimble, thread, wool and button so they could carry out running repairs.

·      Also in their kit were a short-magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, a rifle sling, a bayonet and scabbard, and an "entrenching tool" (they were "diggers" after all). This came in two parts, with the helve (handle) separate from the spade part.

·      Soldiers were issued with eating equipment (knife, fork, spoon, an enamel mug, water bottle (with two-point capacity), and a mess tin with carrier.

·      They also had a clasp knife (with marlin spike, tin-opener and lanyard), razor, shaving kit, soap, comb, two towels, field dressing (carried in the tunic's inside pocket), and a hold-all, in which they could pack their private possessions.

·      No item was probably looked after more carefully than their service pay book: privates were paid six shillings a day

VOYAGE OVERSEAS BRISBANE TO EGYPT SEPTEMBER 1914

On the 25 September 1914, the regiment left Brisbane, sailing upon the transport ship Star of England. The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores

Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant. 

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

MAADI TRAINING CAMP

They arrived in Egypt on 9 December where they undertook further training. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Training Camp in Maadi, Egypt, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind.

Maadi Camp was the main Australian Light Horse base in Egypt. Conditions were hot, sandy, and basic, but the men trained hard to prepare for active service. The aim was to take raw recruits — many with riding experience but no military discipline — and turn them into a cohesive, well-drilled regiment capable of modern warfare

Training was rigorous and structured, typically running from early morning until mid-afternoon:

·      Early morning parade (usually at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m.)

·      Mounted and dismounted drill

·      Rifle practice, both on the range and with mock trench scenarios

·      Bayonet training

·      Physical drills and route marches

·      Field engineering: digging trenches, constructing wire entanglements

·      Scouting and signalling

·      Horse care (equitation, grooming, watering, feeding)

A major focus for Light Horse regiments like Stanley’s was developing:

·      High levels of horsemanship

·      Control under fire

·      Coordinated movement across open terrain

They also practised dismounting under fire, since Light Horse troops often fought on foot, using their horses only for rapid movement.

The climate was dry, hot in the day and cold at night — a shock to many men used to coastal Australian conditions.  The camp was dusty, with fine sand getting into everything — food, clothes, rifles. Flies and insects were everywhere. Water was rationed and sanitation was poor in the early months, leading to dysentery and other illnesses. Horses had to be watered and fed in difficult conditions, and suffered in the heat.

Most soldiers lived in bell tents, six to eight men per tent. There were few comforts — rough bedding, shared latrines, and meals of bully

The 2nd Light Horse, along with other regiments, trained intensely here before deployment to Gallipoli (without their horses) in May 1915. The desert camp offered good access to desert terrain ideal for cavalry and mounted infantry manoeuvres

GALLIPOLI MAY 1915

They took part in the North African campaign defending the Suez Canal. In May 1915, they left for the Gallipoli campaign with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. They were involved in reinforcing front-line positions during intense fighting, including responding to the Turkish counterattacks around 19 May, which was one of the largest assaults launched by Ottoman forces during the campaign.

WOUNDED IN ACTION MAY 1915

William was admitted to the 17th General Hospital, Alexandria on 19th May 1915 with gunshot wound to feet & face, severe.

INVALIDED TO AUSTRALIA

He was invalided to Australia on 23rd October for 6 months change. He was granted a war pension of 70pounds pa from 10^th December 1915.

MARRIAGE 1916

In 1916 he married Amy Isabel Hayes in Murwillumbah

REATTACHED OCTOBER 1915

NEW SERVICE NUMBER, REGIMENT & PROMOTION

William was reattached 5^th October 1916. His service number changed to 3106 and his regiment was 5^th Light horse, 24^th reinforcements and was promoted to Acting Ship’s Sergeant Major. He left Australia 3^rd February 1917 from Brisbane on the HMAT Hymettus

SHIP’S SERGEANT MAJOR

This is an army rank, typically the senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) in a unit. William was responsible for discipline, drill, and administrative duties, especially in relation to the enlisted personnel. He was in charge of the military discipline among embarked soldiers, and liaison between naval officers and military units on board.

ISOLATION CAMP MOASCAR, EGYPT APRIL- JUNE 1917

He arrived in Suez on 30^th April 1917. He was marched into the isolation camp at Moascar, Ismailia, which was the training camp that provided the final preparation for entrainment to Alexandria and the Western Front. The isolation camps screened soldiers arriving in Egypt as reinforcements for two weeks, checking for any illnesses such as measles which can break out when people are crowded together for long periods. Ismailia is a city in north-eastern Egypt, situated on the west bank of the Suez Canal. William was taken on strength from the camp on 14^th May 1917 but returned to Moascar on 4^th June on the instructional staff

TAKEN ON STRENGTH AND TRANSFERRED BACK TO 2^ND LIGHT HORSE JULY 1917

William was taken on strength on 18^th July and was transferred back to the 2^nd Light Horse.

THE BATTLE OF BEERSHEBA OCTOBER- NOVEMBER 1917

On 2 November 1917, the 2nd Light Horse Regiment of the Australian Imperial Force was actively involved in the Third Battle of Gaza, specifically preparing for and participating in operations as part of the Battle of Beersheba (31 October 1917) and its aftermath during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment, part of the 1st Light Horse Brigade, was involved in supporting actions on the flanks and in mopping-up operations, though they did not take part in the final charge directly. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was actively Pursuing retreating Ottoman forces following the successful capture of Beersheba, engaged in skirmishes and patrols in the Judean foothills, particularly around Tel el Khuweilfe and operating in support of the EEF's broader objective to capture Gaza and break the Ottoman defensive line.

WOUNDED IN BATTLE NOVEMBER 1917

A telegram dd 15th November 1917 was sent to his wife advising that Provisional Sergeant William Taylor was admitted to 43rd Stationary Hospital, Egypt 2nd November 1917 with a gunshot wound right thigh.

REST CAMP JANUARY 1918

On 14^th January 1918 William entered a rest camp in Port Said. William spent all of 1918 in and out of rest camps

WAR ENDED & GOING HOME

On 11^th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home and many had to wait many months before they were headed back to Australia. William embarked on the HR Aeneas on 1^st January 1919 for home.

CLOTHING AND NECESSITIES GIVEN TO SOLDIERS FOR SOLDIERS PROCEEDING TO AUSTRALIA FOR DEMOBILISATION

Badges Hat                    Badges Collar (2)                    Bags kit universal

Bags kit sea                   Braces (pair)                            Brush, shaving

Brush, tooth                  Breeches M.S (Military service)

Cap comforter (warm cap)                                           Comb, hair

Disc identity with cord                                                  Drawers (2 pairs)

Great Coat                     Hat, Khaki fur                          Hat, white

Holdall                           Housewife (compact sewing kit)

Jackets Cardigan           Jackets S.D (service dress)

Leggings 1 pair             Laces, leather 1 pair

Puggarees, small (a traditional Indian head wrap, worn in warm conditions

Puttees, 1 pair (cloth bandages worn by soldiers, to provide support and protection for the lower leg)

Razor                              Shirts, flannel (2)                   Socks, 3 pairs

Singlets (2)

Strap chin                      Soap piece                               Suit, working

Towels, hand (2)

Titles “Australia” (4)-
Australian soldiers and non-commissioned officers wore an “Australia” title at the base of their shoulder straps. Each serving soldier also wore unit titles above this which indicated the units to which they belonged

HOME LIFE

William died in 1975 in the Ballina area.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, William was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Dungay Public School WWI Honour roll & the Parish of Murwillumbah First World War Roll of Honour

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