The Soldier's Details

John Taylor enlisted AIF 2 July 1941.  He joined the Reinforcements embarking ‘Aquitania’ Fremantle 15 Feb 1942.  He was classified as a ‘Blacksmith’.   Taylor was fortunate in that he was transferred to ‘C’ Coy HQ under Commanding Officer Capt Colin Cameron whereas most of the reinforcements were with ‘E’ Coy and many of them were injured or killed at the South West Bukit Timah ambush on 12 Feb 1942 Singapore.

He remained in Singapore throughout the war and was not sent on work parties out of the island – probably because of he was a blacksmith and seemed to have many illnesses.  He was recovered from Changi Gaol Camp at the end of the war.

Taylor recorded his mother as NOK: Mary Taylor, 34 2nd Avenue, Mt Lawley. Her address changed in Sept 44 to 26 Wellington Street, East Perth.  In 1957 she was residing Gooseberry Hill Road, Maidavale.

He trained to be Fitter with 2/2. He was sick several times prior to departing WA – influenza and was hospitalised.

Then again at Singapore:

1/8/42 hospitalised with beri beri

16/11/42 hospitalised with problems with his vision and asthenia.

He would go on to have dengue fever and appendicitis in 1944.

Below:  Taylor’s father died Feb 1949.  John was one of eight children.

We believe Jack died in 1950.  His mother Mary died in 1963.