At Alex Wood House care home in Cambridge one resident looks forward to Remembrance Day with a special sense of pride and respect. Basil Taylor, once a member of the esteemed Household Cavalry, treasures the annual day of reflection and remembrance, honouring both his service and the sacrifices made by others who served in the armed forces.
Basil’s journey into the military began in 1959 when he joined the Household Cavalry as a Horseguard. He was only a teenager at the time and eager to serve, so eager that he added a few months to his age to sign up before he was officially called for national service.
The initial training—an intense eight weeks of marching drills, or “square bashing,” as it’s known—was tough. Despite moments of doubt when he almost packed up and went home, he persevered, driven by the dream of becoming a Horseguard.
After the demanding march training, Basil’s journey truly began when he was introduced to the horses. His primary responsibilities included caring for three magnificent horses, Bobby, Sades, and Igloo. He became skilled not only in riding but also in grooming and preparing them for parades. It wasn’t just the horses that needed attention; Basil also spent hours polishing his Horseguard’s ceremonial helmet, boots and breastplate to keep them parade-ready.
Basil remembers fondly the 16 weeks of riding lessons, held in Windsor Great Park near Windsor Castle. It was a challenging but fulfilling time, learning to ride with grace and control while armed with a bayonet or a sword, and bonding with his fellow Horseguards.
Once his training was complete, Basil moved to the Knightsbridge barracks, close to the famous Horseguards Parade in London. He spent the next three years as part of this prestigious unit, performing in parades and serving as a personal guard for Queen Elizabeth II during events such as Trooping the Colour. He recalls the pride he felt riding through London, with a police escort guiding them along the grand streets of Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner, and the Mall.
After three fulfilling years, Basil left the army, but his commitment to service continued. He became an active member of the Royal British Legion, proudly carrying the Legion standard in Fulbourn’s Remembrance Day parades. Though Basil never saw active combat, he holds a deep respect for those who did and takes this time each year to honour their sacrifice.
Service ran deep in his life, both to his country and to his community. Following his military career, Basil joined the fire service, serving as a firefighter for over 30 years and eventually becoming a station sub-officer. Basil was also a dedicated husband for 60 years and raised two children, a son and a daughter, and now has two granddaughters who cherish his stories and legacy.
Today, Basil has settled in at Alex Wood House, where he moved a little over a year ago. His daughter, Sharon, shares how much her father has thrived since moving in, enjoying the garden and even forming a special friendship with the home’s gardener, Rob. The home recently arranged for a fire engine to visit, rekindling fond memories for Basil, who enjoyed the visit immensely.
Remembrance Day is an important occasion for Basil. Although he has left behind the shiny uniforms and parades, he holds onto his memories and the pride of service. This special day brings a sense of connection to those he served with and a time to honour the countless men and women who have served bravely. For Basil, it is a day to stand with his community, remember his past, and pay respect to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
