Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Gunner H Taylor was serving with the Heavy Section Machine Gun Corps (MGC) when he passed through Peterborough East Station on 11 September 1916, just four days before tanks were deployed in action at the Battle of the Somme.  Gunner Taylor states in the visitors’ book that he was based at Thetford, probably at Elveden Camp.  It was at Elveden Camp that the Heavy Section MGC developed the tank and trained the first men to go into battle.  The first tanks used on the Somme were from C and D Companies, Gunner Taylor was with B Company and it is likely that he also went to France.  Further reading on the Heavy Section MGC can be found at http://bit.ly/2sSZVVS

Gunner H Taylor so far remains untraced.  Was one of your relatives one of the first tank crews?  Do get in touch if you can tell us more.