Taylor, FC

Captain Frederick Cecil Taylor

Born on November 3^rd 1882, Freddie was one of four children of a barrister, also named Frederick Taylor, and his wife, Jane. He began at the Prep before coming to the College in September 1895. He was a pupil for the next three years, in the last of which he played for the 2^nd XV, before leaving in the summer of 1898. He subsequently spent some time continuing his education in Europe, first at Neuwied in Germany and later in Paris, before returning to London where he took a job working for a seed merchant. Once back in England he resumed his rugby career, becoming a regular player for the OAs. A serious knee injury brought his rugby days to an end, however, but, still a keen sportsman, he subsequently took up rowing and boxing instead.

In 1916 Freddie signed up as a member of the Inns of Court O.T.C. and after several months was granted a commission in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps that November. In January 1917 he went across to serve on the continent for the first time and spent that summer involved in the training of reinforcements at Calais. That autumn he spent time in England attending a Company Commander’s Course before returning to his regiment in France. In May 1918 he was promoted to Lieutenant, before not long later being promoted once more, to acting Captain. He was serving in this role when, on August 24^th, he was caught in a shell blast whilst marching his men to the front and killed instantly.