Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant G. Taylor, 5th Australian Pioneer Battalion, Australian Imperial Force

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (106 Sjt: G. Taylor. 5/Aust: Pr. Bn:); 1914-15 Star (106 Pte. G. Taylor. 8/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (106 Sgt. G. Taylor. 8/Bn. A.I.F.); War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, last two officially impressed ‘V15411 G. D. Taylor’, mounted for display, light contact marks, generally very fine (6) £1,200-£1,600

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘During the period February to September 1917, Sergeant Taylor has on many occasions displayed great coolness and ability under enemy shellfire to carry out important tasks allotted to him. At Vaulx-Vraucourt, on May 10th, the camp was shelled, causing a good deal of confusion. Sergeant Taylor’s splendid example of coolness under trying conditions restored order, and the camp was moved without difficulty. Again, on the night of 16th/17th September, Sergeant Taylor was in charge of a loading party at Gordon Dump, East of Ypres. The Dump was heavily shelled for about two and half hours. This N.C.O. kept his men under control and took charge of the transport wagons, which were very much mixed. He continued to load wagons and supplied material continuously to the work. He displayed throughout the same high standard of courage.’

George Taylor was born in Ballarat, Victoria, in 1895, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 20 August 1914. He served with the 8th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the M.E.F. in Gallipoli, before briefly transferring to the 60th Battalion in February 1916.

Taylor transferred to the 5th Australian Pioneer Battalion in March 1916, and served with them as part of the 5th Australian Division in the French theatre of war from June 1916. He advanced to Sergeant in September 1916, and was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry during operations near Ypres.

Taylor returned to Australia in the H.T.. Port Darwin, and was discharged, 22 February 1919. He died in May 1960.