Private Horace Gilbert Taylor
Service #: 57766
Summary
FAMILY LIFE
Horace Gilbert Taylor was born on 3rd March 1884 in Kangaroo Valley, one of seven children of Henry Matthew and Rebecca Jane (Hall) Taylor. The Taylor family left Bega and settled in Murwillumbah in the early 1890’s. They are listed on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district
He was a labourer, living in South Murwillumbah, who felt he had to do his bit. He signed up in Murwillumbah on 6th May 1918 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his wife, Fanny Taylor, of South Murwillumbah. His medical showed he was 35 years 4 months old, 5ft 7 ½ inches tall (1.71m), weighed 144 lbs (65kgs), with a dark complexion, blue-grey eyes & dark brown hair. He was dentally fit. The Examining Medical Officer stated that Horace “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.”
Horace was Church of England and had a transverse scar above his right knee. He was enlisted as a private into the 25 Infantry Battalion – 4th Reinforcements with service No 57766
25TH INFANTRY BATTALION
The 25th Infantry Battalion, part of the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Australian Imperial Force, was raised in March 1915 at Enoggera, Queensland. Their service is remembered for their resilience and contributions to key victories.
VOYAGE OVERSEAS
On the 5th June 1918, the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Orontes. 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.
ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP
They disembarked at Liverpool on 11th August 1918 and were marched in to the 5th infantry training camp where, over many tough months, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began their training with physical fitness exercises, they were taught individual and unit discipline, how to follow commands, how to march, some basic field skills and how to safely handle his weapons. Later, as soldiers specialised in a particular area (for example, machine gunner or signaller) they would be trained in specific skills and would take part in practice manoeuvres and sham fights. They would spend many hours learning training in the use of bayonets, anti- gas training and guard duty along with lectures on camouflage or trench warfare and much more. Training would take many months
HOSPITALISATION MUMPS SEPTEMBER 1918
However, on the 1st September Horace was admitted to hospital with mumps. He was in Fovant Military Hospital for 6 weeks and whilst there lost a lot blood. Mumps was, and is, a contagious viral illness, easily spread among the soldiers. It can cause fever, swelling of the salivary glands and inflammation in other parts of the body. Soldiers would have suffered fever, headaches, tiredness, body aches & poor appetite. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Instead, treatment focuses on symptom relief. Treatment would have included plenty of rest, lots of fluids, using a warm or cool compress to relieve facial pain and swelling & eating foods that do not need a lot of chewing
HOSPITALISATION INFLUENZA OCTOBER 1918
He developed influenza on 22nd October and remained in hospital. In 1918 influenza was a devastating disease which resulted in more deaths than the Great War itself. Victims could develop a deadly type of pneumonia and would suffer from headaches, aching muscles, a persistent, dry cough, fever, weakness, a sore throat, and even blood poisoning. Horace complained of general pains, vomiting & diarrhoea. He was weak and dizzy
MEDICALLY UNFIT NOVEMBER 1918
A report dated 19th November 1918 showed Horace had malaria in 1908 when he was in Northern Queensland. He had another attack when on the ship coming over. This probably contributed to his symptoms in hospital. The report stated he was not fit for active service and he was declared permanently unfit for all services on 30th November.
WAR ENDED
As well, while he was in hospital, on the 11th 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 several months before they were headed back to Australia
GOING HOME
Horace returned to Australia on the 10th December on the Somali and arrived on 1st March 1919. He was discharged on 15th March 1919.
FOR HIS SERVICE
For his service, Horace was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.
HOME LIFE
Horace married Fanny Maria Walters in 1906 and was father to 2 sons by 1916, one of whom died in 1914. Horace died on 29th November 1963 aged 78
If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.
Memorial Location
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