In Memory Of

TAYLOR, ALISTAIR ALLEN

Service Details
Age:
 22
Date of Birth:
 -0001-11-30
Service No:
 9936
Rank:
 Patrol Officer
Unit:
 Criminal Investigation Department
Regiment:
 British South Africa Police
Date of Death:
 1981-02-12
Cause of Death:
 Murdered, in Luveve Township, Bulawayo, by a gang that stopped their vehicle. Moraka and PO Alistair Taylor, both plain clothes policemen, were in a vehicle in Bulawayo's Luveve Township when they were stopped by an armed gang of between 15 and 20. They were assaulted as they got out of the vehicle, and Alistair was shot and killed. Moraka was told to return to his station but he was shot and killed as he walked away. The men robbed the police vehicle of a sub-machine gun, a revolver and four radios. The incident occurred during a period of violent clashes between former ZIPRA and ZANLA terrorists in Bulawayo, with elements of the former RAR involved (now a Zimbabwean battalion) in numerous engagements with these groups in what became known as the Battle of Bulawayo
Commemoration
Cemetery:
 UNKNOWN CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Unknown
Country:
 Zimbabwe
Additional Information
Decorations:
 Bronze Baton for Bravery
Citations:
 1 November 1978 - "In recognition of the effective action he took on 30 July 1978, after the motor patrol under his charge was ambushed by terrorists in the Mount Darwin area. Alistair's immediate reaction to the situation and his determined counter ambush measures contributed significantly towards the safe withdrawal of his patrol and the avoidance of any casualties."
Son of Thomas Harvey Summerhill Taylor and Isobel Frances (nee Allen) Taylor. ref. "Rhodesian Roll of Honour" by P. Geldenhuys (Roll compiled by Dr. J. R. T. Wood). Amendments from "Rhodesian Combined Forces Roll of Honour 1966-1981", by Adrian Haggett and Gerry van Tonder.