Hopetoun Taylor was born in Dimboola, Victoria, was single and a Grocer when he enlisted with the 22nd Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement on 23 June 1915 at the age of 24. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A68 Anchises on 26 August 1915. He was wounded in action in France with a gunshot wound to the neck on 7 August 1916 and was immediately admitted to the 3rd Stationary Hospital and from there to the 3rd London General Hospital in England. While there he developed Trench Fever and was transferred to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital two months later.

After a series of transfers he proceeded overseas to France via the Southampton and transferred again with the 22nd Battalion, marching in to the Draft Depot at Perham Downs, returning to Australia on19 June 1919.
Tree No. 760