Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘First Day of Loos 1915’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant A. J. Taylor, 7th London Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2087 Sjt: A. J. Taylor. 7/Lond: Regt.-T.F.); 1914-15 Star (2087. L-Sjt. A. J. Taylor, 7-Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2087 Sjt. A. J. Taylor. 7-Lond. R.); France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, reverse dated 1914-1915, with bronze palme, the first and last with contemporary suspension pin brooches, good very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800

D.C.M. London Gazette 16 November 1915:
‘For conspicuous gallantry on the 25th of September, 1915, at Loos, when he showed great powers of leadership in cutting off and capturing a party of Germans. He also displayed great bravery and coolness in the German counter-attack on the Double Crassier when, with three bombers, he held the enemy back till the trench was double blocked.’

French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 24 February 1916.

The History of the 7th (City of London) Bn., The London Regiment records: ‘For his gallant conduct on the Crassier, Sergt. A. J. Taylor was awarded the D.C.M. and the French Croix de Guerre, the latter being pinned on his breast by General Sir Douglas Haig at a special parade.

Alfred James Taylor served with the 7th London Regiment in France from 17 March 1915. He was discharged in consequence of wounds on 5 April 1919, and is entitled to the Silver War Badge.

A picture of Sergeant Taylor appeared in The Daily Mirror of 15 December 1915, under the caption “Londoners win the D.S.M.” - ‘Sergeant A. J. Taylor (7th London Regiment) who helped to cut off and capture a party of the enemy at Loos.’