George Taylor

Who was George Taylor?

Brigadier George Taylor CBE, DSO & Bar was a British born soldier who served in the British Army. According to The Independent, "he won an almost unrivalled reputation as a battle commanding officer in North-West Europe in 1944-45 before commanding brigades in the Korean war and in Kenya during the Mau Mau campaign."

George Taylor was the son of Colonel Thomas Taylor. He was born in Lancashire. He played rugby for the Army in 1931, 1933, 1935 and 1937, and went on to play for the Barbarians. He won two Distinguished Service Orders, a Commander of the Order of the British Empire and a Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre during his military career. Sir David Willcocks MC witnessed George Taylor's skills 1st hand when they served closely together, and stated: "not only his great courage and inspiring leadership, but also the care with which we reconnoitred and planned every attack or defensive engagement, in order to minimise casualties ... his courage and concern called forth in all ranks a deep loyalty and affection."

The Independent noted, "This time Taylor's soldiering was recognised with his appointment as CBE in July 1955.