Bez
Committee Member and Mod
Joined: 16 Feb 2006
Posts: 543
Location: Churchtown
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 Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 11:48 am Post subject: Private John Taylor of Bispham Road, died 7th July 1918 |
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I have received the following letter regarding the above named soldier who was buried at St Cuthbert's on 11th July 1918.
St. Cuthbert’s, North Meols.
SEEKING PRIVATE TAYLOR
Missing War Grave In St Cuthbert’s Churchyard
As part of their long term effort to transcribe the parish registers and provide a family history service for the growing number of enquiries they receive each year, the parishioners of St Cuthbert’s also want to ensure that the 45 War Graves in the churchyard are properly accounted for and looked after. In January this year, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Inspector for the North West (CWGC) came to meet them but they were left with one that is now officially “missing”.
It belongs to Private John Taylor, 41299, Cheshire Regiment, who died of pneumonia when serving in a munitions factory in Oldham. He was buried five days later, on July 11th, 1918, in St Cuthbert’s churchyard. A son of James and Alice Taylor of Bispham Road, his resting place was marked on a gravestone laid flat over the family grave. At some point, perhaps in the 1950s or 1960s, it probably became overgrown and the gravestone is hidden below the turf now.
Neither the parish records nor those of the CWGC contain sufficient information to pinpoint the location for it to be restored to view once more. The only clue to the whereabouts is a 40 year old CWGC filenote which records its position as “Old Portion, Vault”. Sadly, there is no-one today who knows where that might be, the sections within the churchyard having been re-numbered at some point.
Every war casualty deserves to have a final resting place or memorial properly recorded and looked after. Despite the wonderful work done by CWGC in caring for over 1.1 million graves worldwide, a situation like this can, very occasionally, arise. Since the parish registers and other records cannot help identify where the grave is, it is felt that all avenues should be explored to see if there is an answer. In particular, the parish is hoping someone will see this appeal and come forward with information about Private Taylor’s family and his grave, or the old style locations and numbering in the churchyard.
The only progress that has been made since I was contacted, is that I have located the grave of Private Taylor's mother.
If you think you can help St Cuthbert’s ensure a Great War casualty’s resting place is never forgotten, then please pm me or reply on this thread.
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Middle-aged and seeking the middle-ages!
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