Current Information:

Age-39

Born-Pimlico

Cayeux Military Cemetery, France

During February and March, 1917, the Germans made a strategic withdrawal to a new and very strong line running from Arras to Soissons. By doing this they eliminated two large salients and greatly reduced the number of troops needed to man the new defences. As they pulled back to the Hindenburg Line (Siegfriedstellung) they adopted a ‘scorched earth’ policy, systematically destroying everything in their path so as to leave nothing behind that would assist the enemy. Railways and roads were dug up, wells poisoned and even trees chopped down. Mines and booby traps were set to further hinder the British and French troops who followed up behind them until they reached the new formidable defences where one again trench warfare was established.

During the night of 31st March/1st April, 1917, the 11th Border battalion of 97 Brigade, 32nd Division left their billets in the village of Foreste and marched to Savy which they attacked at 5am on 1st April, behind an artillery barrage. After a tough fight Savy was captured. George Taylor died from wounds  on 5th April when the battalion was still in Savy, and it is likely that he was one of those wounded during this operation.