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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 540

A superb 'Easter Rising' group of eight awarded to Captain L. E. W. Tayler, Royal Marines, who was wounded in action at Krithia in 1915

1914-15 Star (Capt. L. F. W. Taylor, R.M.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. L. F. W. Taylor. R.M.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Coronation 1953, mounted for wear, overall good very fine (8)

Leonard Frederick William Tayler was born at All Cannings, Wiltshire on 22 February 1893, the son of Simon and Marion Tayler. Apprenticed to the British India Steam Navigation Company on 16 February 1910 he was appointed Cadet while with them.

Gallipoli

Commissioned after the outbreak of the Great War to 2nd Lieutenant on 11 March 1915. He entered the war at Cape Helles, Gallipoli on 17 June 1915 and was present for an attack near Krithia on 12-13 July 1915. Likely the action at Achi Baba Nullah, part of the ongoing Battle of Gulley Ravine. Promoted Lieutenant on 13 September 1915 he was invalided from Gallipoli just six days later.

While Tayler convalesced in Britian the Easter Rising began in Ireland and as part of the response a composite Battalion of Royal Marines was formed.

Easter Rising

The first of the Royal Marine Light Infantry in Ireland were a company from H.M.S. Iris who arrived at Kingstown on 28 April 1916. The rest arrived at Queenstown the next day with the goal of securing these vital ports to funnel reinforcements into the country. As further British units arrived the Marines were detached in units to secure various installations of naval importance. This was not without its risks as the rebels attacked any position they thought might be vulnerable, this included the Signal Station at Sybil Head which was attacked on 3 May leaving three Marines wounded.

Ireland Post-War

Despite this the rising was swiftly put down although much tension remained throughout the country. Many Marines were released in May including Tayler who left the country on 16 May. He continued to serve however being advanced Captain on 4 September 1917. This was not to be the last time he served in the country however, returning on 19 January 1919 as fighting again increased in the precursor to the War of Independence. He was stationed at Hualbowline Dockyard, Queenstown, a vital part of the British naval presence in Ireland. Tayler was demobilised on 30 August 1919.

Second World War

Returning to sea after the war as an officer of the Union Castle Line he reached the rank of Purser. Still in this rank during the Second World War he earned both Atlantic and Pacific Star in that time. Tayler retired to Candlers Ford, Hampshire and died there on 19 October 1965; sold together with a former listing and article entitled The Royal Marines in Ireland.

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Sold for
£290

Starting price
£210