Major John N Taylor MC

John Nigel Taylor was granted an emergency commission in the Somerset Light Infantry on 5 July 1940.

In 1942, by now a Captain, he volunteered for Airborne Forces and was on parachute course 41 at RAF Ringway, 3 – 17 December 1942. This was the initial course run for the 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion and provided 16 Officers and 190 Other Ranks as qualified parachutists.

By 1944 he was A-Company Commander and as such led them on the Normandy drop, 6 June 1944 and in the defence of Benouville village near what became known as Pegasus Bridge. He was wounded in the legs during this battle and evacuated later on.

Back in the UK he became the Second In Command of the battalion and as such took part in the Ardennes Campaign (December 1944 – January 1945) and the Rhine Crossing (24 March 1945). He went on to see service in the Far East when the 5th Parachute Brigade was sent to India and Malaya.

He was awarded a Military Cross for his actions in Normandy, which was announced in the London Gazette, 31 August 1944.

He was awarded a Mention In Despatches for his actions on the Rhine Crossing and in the advance across Germany to the Baltic, which was announced in the London Gazette, 4 April 1946.