Sydney Arnold Taylor

On 14 August 1915 The West Australian reported, “Sergeant Sid Taylor, the goalkeeper for City United and Rangers, has been seriously wounded at the Dardanelles.” On 12 September Perth’s Sunday Times published this tribute to him, “On July 17 last Sergeant Sidney Arnold Taylor, son of Mr. Wm. Taylor, of Raglan-road, North Perth, was severely wounded in Gallipoli while his battery was in action. The following descriptions of the plucky young Perth boy’s conduct during this trying time, coming from the source they do, speak for themselves, and we publish them as an instance of Australian grit: – The first, addressed to the lad’s father, runs: – It Is with feelings of regret that I have to inform you that your son, Sidney Arnold Taylor, was wounded on July 17 whilst in command of his gun in action. One of the enemy’s high-explosive shells burst on the gun shield, killing No. 2 and No. 3 on the gun, and severely wounding your son. Although badly hit, he bore himself in a gallant and unselfish manner by insisting that the wounds of his comrades be attended to first, and making light of his own wounds. He is a fine example of what a soldier should be, and it is men of his stamp who are to-day upholding the great traditions of the British Army. I hope for his speedy recovery. – Yours sincerely, A. J. Bessell-Browne, Major, commanding 8th Battery.
The second, from the lad’s own officer, reads: – To O.C. 8th Battery, – I wish to bring before your notice the exemplary manner in which Sergeant Taylor conducted himself under most disconcerting conditions whilst in action and serving his gun on the 17th inst. Sergeant Taylor’s gun was engaging target “I” when one of the enemy’s high-explosive shells burst at the gun-shield, wounding Taylor severely and fatally wounding his No. 2 and No. 3. Until overcome by shock and loss of blood Taylor endeavored to continue to serve his gun, and when being helped away strongly appealed to his helpers to devote their attention to the other wounded men, remarking, ”Look after Lennard and Carter – they’re badly hurt. I’m only scratched!” Subsequent examination proved that Sergeant Taylor was wounded in 14 different parts of his body. Incidentally, I might mention that Sergeant Wallis did good work in rendering first aid to Sergeant Taylor under heavy shell-fire. – P. M. Edwards, Lieutenant, Right Section Commander.”
Sergeant Taylor received wounds to his arms, legs and head and was evacuated to Malta and then to England, where he had his right leg amputated on 30 August 1915. He returned to Perth in 1916 and was officially discharged on 18 January 1917. He died in 1966 at the age of 76