St Norbert Remembrance Day logo

The Cenotaph, erected in the St. Norbert Cemetery, was an over-grown, long forgotten homage to the thirteen men who fought and died in World War I and who were connected to the St. Norbert area.

In 2008, Art Bloomfield, long-time St. Norbert resident, took a closer look at the overgrown monument while walking his young grandson to preschool. Soon after, he and his family made it their personal mission to ensure that the cenotaph and those thirteen men whose names are etched in stone were forgotten no more.

Celebrate and honour these men at the 11^th hour, of the 11^th day, of the 11^th month.

Lest We Forget image

PRIVATE ALFRED TAYLOR
Regimental #2922218

Born: November 15, 1894, London, England

Although no direct relationship has been found, Joseph Champagne of St. Norbert was listed as his next of kin

Occupation: Farmer

Enlisted: March 31, 1916, 46^th Battalion, Canadian Infantry

Killed in Action: September 2, 1918 (24 years) near Dury, France

Awarded:

British War Medal
Victory Medal
Memorial Cross (sent to mother) - also known as the Silver Cross

A son to Ellen Taylor, brother to John Taylor and fiancé to Miss Beattie Key, all from London, England, Alfred was a single Roman Catholic farmer. With a fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair, he stood 5 foot 5.5 inches and weighed 148 lbs. It isn't known why he was in Canada, but he did have connections to St. Norbert and Morris, where his brother lived. He arranged his pay to be sent to Mr. Joe Champagne of St Norbert. At age 22, he enlisted in Morris, MB.

46th Battalion
Cap Badge

Alfred Taylor is the only CEF soldier named on the St Norbert Memorial who was not born in Canada. He was the last to die in combat. Alfred enlisted with the 222^nd Battalion at Morris. He went to England with that unit. At first, he was posted to the 16^th (Canadian Scottish) Bn, but was transferred to the 46^th (South Saskatchewan) Bn before reporting to the 16^th. On June 01, 1917 he was gassed, wounded by friendly fire. He was evacuated to England, where he spent the next year recovering. He rejoined the 46^th Bn in mid-August. On September 02, 1918, he was reported missing in action during the attack on Dury, one battle in the breaking of the Drocourt-Queant Line. Alfred's remains were found and identified two weeks later. He is buried at Dury Crucifix Cemetery.

Attestation and other Papers
His grave is in the Dury Crucifix Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, I 19 06
He is commemorated in the First World War Book of Remembrance, page 510
His name is inscribed on the St Norbert, MB War Memorial
Veterans Affairs Canada Link
Library and Archives Canada File RG150, 1992-93/166, Box 9513-43

*with files from Jim Busby

Lest We Forget

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PRIVATE ALFRED TAYLOR Regimental #2922218

Lest We Forget

PRIVATE ALFRED TAYLOR
Regimental #2922218