Alfred John Taylor: A Life of Resilience and Love"
When I think of my father, Alfred John Taylor, I remember a fine, gentle man who lived a life marked by hard work, service to his country, and deep love for his wife.
Alfred was born on June 1, 1920, in Skipton, a town nestled in the heartland of North Yorkshire. Growing up as the only son among his sisters Beatie, Flo, Rosie, and Lili. Alfred's early years were shaped by the love and care of his parents, John and Rose Taylor. Yet, the shadow of loss hung over their family, as Alfred's older sister Eliza, brother Charles and a younger triplet, Mary, did not survive infancy.
Alfred’s dad, John, was born in 1882 in Shoreditch, London, and Rose, born Turner, (born 1885), for some reason, moved to Skipton 230 odd miles away in North Yorkshire. Interestingly, the Caraffi's were born in Leeds whereas the remaining children were registered for their births in Skipton. Their story was one of resilience in the face of tragedy, losing children and enduring hardships that marked early 20th-century England. From my readings, children in the early 20th century often didn't survive more than a year due to infectious diseases, poor sanitation, limited medical knowledge, malnutrition, lack of prenatal and postnatal care, and economic hardships.
The mystery of the surname "Caraffi" hinted at a possible Italian heritage, raising questions about ancestral roots and past generations who may have come to London from afar.
Alfred grew up in the aftermath of World War I; a time of economic recovery and social upheaval. He witnessed the turmoil of labour strikes in Yorkshire and the lingering impact of the Spanish Flu pandemic. By the mid-1930s, Alfred found himself in Lancaster, (42 miles from his birthplace and his family perhaps); he would have had to go to school until the age of 14 and so, I can only presume that he was in his teens as he remembered a local doctor to me; named Buck-Ruxton amidst the community's chatter. Young Alfred, a teenager of sixteen like many locals sang the song linked to the notorious murder case which ended up with the doctor being executed by hanging in 1936.
"Red stains on the carpet, Red stains on the knife, Oh Dr. Buck Ruxton, You've murdered your wife. Red stains in the bathroom, Red stains in the hall, Oh Dr. Buck Ruxton, You've murdered them all”
The Discovery was made on the morning of September 29, 1935 Susan Haines Johnson glanced over an old stone bridge and down into the Gardenholm Linn stream in Moffat, Scotland and saw a gruesome sight. Her eyes caught a bundle rocking slightly in the water with the shocking and unmistakable shape of a human arm sticking out where the fabric had caught on a rock. The young hiker, on holiday with her family, was rooted to the spot as her eyes outlined the decomposed shape of the hand and fingers. Police from the Dumfriesshire Constabulary were alerted to the scene where they discovered more remains.As the cops searched the area they found four more bundles, each containing extensively mutilated body parts including thigh bones, legs, sections of flesh, and a human torso and pelvis. And two human heads.
In 1939, with the clouds of war gathering once more, Alfred joined the Durham Light Infantry, (DLI) on 14th August 1940 which was embodied in the Territorial Army. Posted to the The Border Regiment on 4th October in the same year, he was then transferred to the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers on 13th November 1940 but retransferred back to the DLI on 14th July 1942. So, it must have been in 1942, that when stationed in Bishop Auckland he met my mum. Her name was Sarah Jane Small (born 1926), who was working as an usherette at around 16 years old in the local cinema in Spennymoor.
Serving with distinction during World War II. Stationed in India, with the 2nd Battalion of the DLI, where he often recounted standing guard over Mahatma Gandhi during turbulent times of British rule in India. It was during a leave period in 1943, that Alfred returned to England and married Sara Jane Small in Heysham, Lancashire, his twin sister Florence acting as “best man”.
Trooper Alfred John Taylor (4467258), played a role in the Burma Campaign between 1944 and 1945 not returning home until 1946, after the war ended. Discharged from reserve liability 22nd September 1946. He very good military conduct earned the Burma Star, the Defence Medal and War Medal 1939/45.
Finding each other again, the couple settled in Yiewsley, near Hillingdon, Middlesex, where Alfred worked tirelessly in various roles, in the 50s to the 70s from mixing concrete to managing storerooms.
My parents’ hard work afforded annual family holidays to Morecambe and Blackpool, and I recall cherished moments in the Hillman Minx or Imp. Alfred's beloved cars was continuous as I was huddled in the back seats with my baby sister, Sally. I can still hear my dad shout out when a wrong turn was made, “all roads lead home”. But, as we neared the seaside there came the usual and traditional chant - “why do they call it Morecambe?” - we would shout back because “ More Came”.
Alfred's devotion to Sarah who was also known as Sally, spanned 63 years until his passing in 2006. He faced cancer with the same courage he showed in wartime, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, love, and dedication to family. To me, Alfred John Taylor was not just a father but a hero whose memory I hold dear, forever missed, and forever loved.
POEM
Alf
Uxbridge
September
by Donald James Dolby © 2006
1920, Skipton-born
He fought his battles in lands afar
1940, wearied and worn
For his efforts awarded the Burma Star
1960, children to care
Mixing concrete to earn a crust
1980, grandchildren to share
A laugh with Grandad they could always trust
2ooo, more battles were near
He fought so hard just as before
Helped by the love of those held dear
But now in peace, he struggles no more.
