George Taylor (who was to become Company Sergeant Major (CSM)) enlisted at the Regimental Depot into the 1st Battalion (Inkerman Squad) on the 2nd of December 1931.  He built up a reputation as a fine sportsman and athlete and was soon employed as a member of the Battalion physical training staff.  During his career before the war, he represented the Regiment at boxing, cricket, hockey and cross country running while stationed. 

On the 1st of October 1935 he disembarked as a private soldier with “B” Company from the H. T. Dorsetshire, at Bermuda in the Caribbean.  In 1938 he was a Corporal in 9 Platoon of “C” Company, still with the Bermuda detachment and rising steadily through the ranks.   

In March 1939 he was in Palestine would be there at the start of the Second World War (1939-45).  In 1942 he was Company Sergeant Major with “A” Company when his Battalion were at Tobruk and were captured by the Germans. George became a Prisoner of War (POW) and was held in various camps.  During this time the uppermost thought in his mind was his determination to return to duty as a fit man and his efforts to this end were an inspiration to all he came into contact with.  George was repatriated in 1945. After a further tour with 1st Battalion in Germany and North Africa he was promoted to Regimental Sergeant Major to 8th Battalion (TA), a post he held for 4 years.