In 1901 the Taylor family were living at 34 Atholl Street, Perth: Father, Robert D. (Retired Draper) (68); Mother, Mary (57); Daughter, Isabella (House Keeper) (19); Daughter, Jeanie L. (17); and Son, Robert H. (17).

The Battle of Messines, 7th - 14th June 1917

The 102nd Field Company, Royal Engineers served with the 23rd Division during the Battle of Messines around the area of Hill 60 and the Caterpillar mines. It was the most dramatic mine offensive in history and was launched on 7th June 1917 at Messines Ridge.

The British had begun a mining offensive against the German-held Wijstschate salient in 1916. In preparation for the Battle of Messines - and co-ordinated by tunnelling companies of the Royal Engineers - Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and British miners laid 26 mines with 447 long tons of ammonal explosive.

In the week before the attack 2,230 guns and howitzers bombarded the German trenches, cut wire, destroyed strong-points and conducted counter-battery fire against 630 German artillery pieces. There is no definitive account of where, or how, Robert Taylor lost his life. However, it is likely that he was seriously wounded during the mining operations in preparation for the battle and returned to England.

He would probably have been admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth, which was used as a military hospital during WW1. He was 31 years of age.

Perthshire Advertiser, 20th June 1917

“OUR OWN MEN - FURTHER SAD LOSSES - PROMISING MEN CUT OFF “Young City Officer Dies of Wounds "Sec. Lieut. R. H. Taylor, R.E., youngest son of the late Mr R. B. Taylor, Redinche, Bellwood Park, Perth, has died in hospital in London as the result of wounds received in action. " Lieut. Taylor was an architect, and served his apprenticeship with Mr A. G. Heiton, Perth. He went to Canada, where he practised his profession, but returned to this country and joined the R.A.M.C. at the outbreak of war. "He served through the Gallipoli campaign, after which he received a commission in the Royal Engineers.”

Robert Taylor is also commemorated on the Lodge Scoon and Perth No. 3 War Memorial, Perth; and the Perth Middle United Free Church War Memorial.