From the Mitcham News & Mercury, 29th September, 1944
Sapper Killed in France
Mitcham Newsagent for Fourteen Years
Sapper Harold H. Taylor (aged 41), of the Royal Engineers, who for fourteen years was a newsagent in London-road, Mitcham, was killed in action in France on September 10. His wife, who is living in Graham-road, received a letter from her husband written two days before his death.
Sapper Tayor joined the Army two years ago, and went to France about ten days after D-Day. He brought his family from Woodford to Mitcham fourteen years ago. There are four children.
His will gives his residence as 103 London Road, presumably above the newsagents shop.
Harold Henry TAYLOR of 103 London-road Mitcham Surrey died 10 September 1944 on war service. Administration Llandudno 30 January to Violet Grace May Taylor widow. Effects £173 16s. 9d.
Source: Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
The 1939 Register shows four occupants at this address:
Harold H. Taylor, born 4th April 1903, newsagent shop keeper
Violet G.M. Taylor, born 29th May, 1903, housewife (surname changed to Spall 13th September 1948)
Violet G. Taylor, born 3rd April 1927, at school
Henry P. Taylor, born 8th April 1937, under school age
1953 OS map
1973 Image courtesy of Collage – The London Picture Library
This clip from 1973 shows the newsagents at 103 on the left, the bicycle shop is no. 105, and the pub on the right, the Gardeners Arms, is no. 107.
It was a newsagent until possibly the 1980s. In 2019 the building still exists, but is part of the solicitors Pruveneers LLP, at 103-105 London Road.
From the Commonwealth War Grave Commission
Sapper
TAYLOR, HAROLD HENRYService Number 14243886
Died 10/09/1944
Aged 41
Royal Engineers
Son of Henry Thomas Taylor and Mary Jane Taylor; husband of Violet Grace May Taylor, of Forest Gate, Essex.
Maps are reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
Mitcham History Notes 