WILLIAM HOWARD P/O(P) J17662. From Chatham, Ontario. Killed in Action Jul 4/43 age 21. #432 Leaside Squadron (Saevitir Ad Lucem). Wellington aircraft #LN 285 missing from night operations over Cologne, Germany. F/O G.R. Bousfield, FSs D.A. Hogg, W.E. Armstrong, and Sgt F.B. Jackson (RAF) were also killed. Pilot Officer Pilot Taylor is buried in the Centre Cemetery, Maubeuge, Nord, France.

WILLIAM MCEWEN SGT R138952. From Moncton, New Brunswick. Died on service Nov 29/43 age 42. Sergeant Taylor is buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Moncton, New Brunswick.

D.D.M. R132142. The ship left Tilbury, not Tislbury. Detail provided by A. E. Barnard, Burlington, On.

G.S. J38520. Correct spelling is trouble not troubel. Correction provided by A. E. Barnard, Burlington, On.

J.P. R72296. Wellington aircraft W 5656 missing during a night bombing trip to Frankfurt, Germany. Five RAF members of the crew, Sgt.s D.M. Greey, J. Moules, F.W. Alleway, R.M. Griffin, and C. Deges were also killed.

M.C. J10511. The crash was near Steeple, not Steeply. Detail provided by A E. Barnard, Burlington, On.

N.C. 798065. P/O. N.A. Gardiner (RNZAF), and five RAF members of the crew, FIL. G.F, Davey, FS.s J.K.G. Freeland, AV. House, J. Marshall. and Sgt. E.A Phillips were also killed.

R.M. R60109. See page 751. The crash was north-west of The Lizard, not The Lizzard. Detail provided by A. E. Barnard, Burlington, On.

T.R. R91300. Stirling aircraft missing during a mine-laying operation. Sgt. A. Edgar (RAF) was also killed and one RAF member of the crew was taken Prisoner Of War.

TAYLOR, S/L Kenneth Garth (RAF 41331) - Air Force Cross - No.1 General Reconnaissance School, Summerside, Prince Edward Island - Awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1945 and AFRO 89/45 dated 19 January 1945. Canadian serving in the RAF; from Port Elgin, New Brunswick; enlisted August 1938. Later flew Beaufighters in No.254 Squadron and Hudsons in No.233 Squadron. When recommended he had flown 2,381 hours total, 1,330 hours as instructor, 142 hours in previous six months. Transferred to RCAF (C49078). This officer, who has had an extensive career in operational and instructional flying, has displayed energy, efficiency and organizing ability far above the ordinary course of duty. As officer commanding a flying squadron, he has proven himself to be a capable and efficient leader. The consistently high record of flying hours with no casualties maintained at this unit are largely due to this officer's capable supervision.

HANCHET-TAYLOR, G/C Albert Jesse (C1775) - Officer, Order of the British Empire - RCAF Station Goose Bay (now Station Sydney) - Awarded 14 November 1944 as per Canada Gazette dated 14 November 1944 AFRO 2684/44 dated 15 December 1944. Home in Southport, Connecticut; enlisted in Montreal, 21 March 1940 in Administrative Branch. Promoted Wing Commander, 22 September 1941. Appointed Acting Group Captain, 4 September 1942; confirmed in that rank, 4 September 1943. Posted that date to Goose Bay. To Sidney, 7 October 1944. To Eastern Air Command Headquarters, 1 April 1945. To No.1 Release Centre, 22 April 1946; retired 23 April 1946 to Toronto. See also FS C.H. Brooks and Sgt H.G.J. Saye (BEM). // On the 6th of July, 1944, in Labrador, a Ventura aircraft, carrying eleven passengers and crew, crashed on take-off and immediately burst into flames. This officer was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the accident. The fire had already reached intense proportions and ammunition and pyrotechnics were exploding. On seeing a man moving in the wreckage, without a moment's hesitation, Group Captain Hanchet-Taylor rushed into the aircraft to find the man and with considerable difficulty removed him from the flaming aircraft. The airman later died from injuries and burns but this officer's gallant act might have saved his life. His example was an inspiration to other personnel to endeavour to rescue the other victims of the accident. This officer displayed exceptional coolness, courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave danger. // He was also involved in rescuing the crew of Liberator 586 which crashed in Labrador, 19 February 1944; see entries for S/L Al Imrie and F/L G.R. Harland.

TAYLOR, S/L William Edward (C22924) - Air Force Cross - No.16 SFTS - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Born in Copper Cliff, Ontario, 18 September 1912; educated there and Sudbury. Employed by International Nickle before war; home in Sudbury, Ontario; enlisted in Toronto, 17 December 1940. Award presented 27 January 1946. Governor General's Records (RG.7 Group 26 Volume 59, file 190-I, dossier 7) has citation; when recommended he had flown 2,495 hours, 2,215 as instructor, 158 in previous six months. This officer has completed more than three years as an elementary instructor and the exceptional devotion to duty which he showed played a large part in the success of that elementary school. Since assuming his duties in service flying training he has continued to demonstrate the same energy and ability that has characterized his work all the way through. His contribution to the success of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan is worthy of high praise.

TAYLOR, F/O Alexander Keith (C8111) - Mention in Despatches - No.500 Squadron - Award effective 1 June 1943 as per London Gazette dated 2 June 1943 and AFRO 1247/43 dated 2 July 1943. Born 14 November 1918. Home in Winnipeg; enlisted there 14 April 1941. Commissioned 13 September 1941 after training at University of Manitoba. To McMaster University, 1 October 1941; to Station Trenton, 19 October 1941; to Technical Training School, St.Thomas, 17 November 1941; to No.31 Radio School, Clinton, 13 December 1941 to 13 March 1942; Embarked from Canada on 13 March 1942; arrived at No.3 PRC, 24 March 1942; to Headquarters, No.15 Group, 15 April 1942; to Station Stornoway, 16 April 1942; to No.500 Squadron, 4 August 1942. Proceeded with that unit to North Africa, November 1942; struck off strength of that squadron, 5 August 1943; to UK, 9 September 1943; to Headquarters, Middle East, 12 January 1944, arriving in Egypt 30 January 1944; to Headquarters, Middle East, 7 February 1944; to Headquarters, Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, 30 November 1944; ; repatriated 21 August 1945; released in Vancouver, 31 August 1945.Unit not identified in AFRO but found in DHist file 181.009 D.1711 "Honours and Awards - Awards to RCAF Personnel in Middle East" (NAC RG.24 Box 20605).

TAYLOR, F/O Philip Hamnett (J14909) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.619 Squadron - Award effective 19 June 1944 as per London Gazette dated 27 June 1944 and AFRO 1861/44 dated 25 August 1944. Born 1911; home in either Kansas City or Winnipeg; enlisted Winnipeg 23 September 1941. Trained at No.6 BGS (graduated 9 October 1942). Commissioned 1942. Award presented 27 November 1948. No citation other than "completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/8780 has recommendation dated 15 March 1944 when he had flown 26 sorties (168 hours eleven minutes). 1 July 43 GARDENING (3.03) 29 Sept 43 Bochum (4.58) 3 July 43 Cologne (5.17) 2 Oct 43 Munich (8.18) 8 July 43 Cologne (5.57) 3 Nov 43 Dusseldorf (4.35) 25 July 43 Essen (4.26) 10 Nov 43 Modane (7.47) 27 July 43 Hamburg (5.35) 18 Nov 43 Berlin (8.05) 29 July 43 Hamburg (5.15) 23 Nov 43 Berlin (7.04) 30 July 43 Remscheid (4.57) 1 Jan 44 Berlin (7.59) 9 Aug 43 Mannheim (6.16) 5 Jan 44 Stettin (8.41) 15 Aug 43 Milan (8.35) 20 Jan 44 Berlin (6.59) 22 Aug 43 Leverkusen (4.43) 27 Jan 44 Berlin (8.56) 27 Aug 43 Nuremburg (7.30) 30 Jan 44 Berlin (6.37) 22 Sept 43 Hanover (5.15) 15 Feb 44 Berlin (7.04) 23 Sept 43 Mannheim (6.56) 19 Feb 44 Leipzig (7.23) Flying Officer Taylor has made 26 operational sorties as an Air Gunner. Seven of these sorties have been against Berlin. He has played a very large part in ensuring the success of his crew and by his eagerness and determination has set a very fine example to the flying personnel of the squadron. It is stressed that his alertness and enthusiasm has saved the aircraft in which he has flown on more than one occasion from attack by enemy aircraft.

TAYLOR, P/O Richard Winter (J15535) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.161 Squadron - Award effective 11 March 1943 as per London Gazette dated 26 March 1943 and AFRO 757/43 dated 30 April 1943. Born in Vancouver, 1920; home in Victoria; enlisted Vancouver, 12 July 1940. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 27 October 1940), No.2 BGS (graduated 2 March 1941), No.2 AOS (graduated 19 January 1941) and No.1 CNS (graduated 12 April 1941). Commissioned May 1942. Killed in action 14 March 1943 (Halifax BG245, No.161 Squadron; buried in Germany). DFC and Bar presented to his mother by Governor General, 17 April 1947. This officer has completed a large number of sorties invariably displaying outstanding skill and devotion to duty. The successes achieved reflect the greatest credit on his efforts which are worthy of high praise. TAYLOR, F/O Richard Winter, DFC (J15535) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.161 Squadron (deceased) - Award effective 13 March 1943 as per London Gazette dated 24 April 1945 and AFRO 918/45 dated 1 June 1945. This officer has taken part in numerous operational flights including combined operations at St.Nazaire where he participated in a highly successful low level bombing attack. As a navigator he is exceptionally efficient.

TAYLOR, F/O Edward Arthur Thomas (J20993) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.252 Squadron - Award effective 28 April 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1186/44 dated 2 June 1944. Born in Winnipeg, 24 April 1923; home in Victoria; enlisted Vancouver, 23 September 1941. Initially selected for Air Gunner training but remustered to pilot. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 24 April 1942), No.16 EFTS (graduated 1 August 1942) and No.7 SFTS (graduated and commissioned 20 November 1942). Posted to No.31 GRS, 4 December 1942; to "Y" Depot, 27 February 1943. Killed in action 25 May 1944 in Aegean Sea (Beaufighter LZ518). Name on El Alamein Memorial. Award sent by registered mail to next-of-kin, 17 August 1948. One night in March 1944, Flying Officer Taylor was detailed for a meteorological flight. Having completed his task, he then flew on to seek enemy aircraft and succeeded in engaging and destroying two Junkers 52. At all times this officer has exhibited exceptional courage and determination.

TAYLOR, F/L David Robb (J22498) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 18 July 1917 in Regina; home there. Educated in Saskatchewan including one year at Luther College. Clerk, stenographer and commercial traveller. Served in 2nd Battalion, Regina Rifles, 1940-1941; enlisted in Regina, 30 May 1941 and posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.3 SFTS, Calgary, 15 August 1941 (guard). To No.4 ITS, Edmonton, 14 September 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 26 October 1941. To No.5 EFTS, High River, 27 October 1941; ceased training and posted to Composite Training School, Trenton, 12 December 1941. To No. 4 AOS, London, 4 January 1942; to No.4 BGS, Fingal, 12 April 1942; to No.1 ANS, Rivers, 24 May 1942; graduated and commissioned 3 July 1942. To “Y” Depot, 5 July 1942. To No.31 OTU, 23 July 1942. Embarked from Canada, 25 September 1942. Disembarked in Britain, 9 October 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 3 January 1943. To No.23 OTU, 6 April 1943. To No.1659 Conversion Unit, 11 August 1943. To No.431 Squadron, 5 September 1943. To No.419 Squadron, 1 November 1943. Attached to No.1 Air Armament School, 15 April to 13 May 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 3 July 1944. To No.1664 Conversion Unit, 31 August 1944. To No.1666 Conversion Unit, 29 November 1944. Repatriated 2 August 1945. Retired 24 September 1945. Award presented 18 May 1955 via External Affairs. Photo PL-35865A is a portrait. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 27 September 1944 when he had flown 30 sorties (187 hours five minutes), 2 October 1943 to 8 August 1944. Postwar civil servant and diplomat; retired 1980. Died in Ottawa, 16 April 1988. RCAF photo PL-31150 (ex UK-13255 dated 8 August 1944) shows F/O Dave Taylor (left, Regina) and S/L Jim Stewart, DFC (Montreal) being interrogated by Section Officer Sally Morton (Gore Bay, Ontario, “one of the few WD intelligence officers engaged in interrogation”), after raid on Stuttgart. Stewart wears the Stewart tartan scarf he wears on all sorties. // This officer has completed 30 bombing operations against the enemy and has always shown the highest courage and devotion to duty. On precision targets his bombing accuracy has been remarkable, he having secured no less than seven photographs plotted within 400 yards of the aiming point. On heavily defended targets, Flight Lieutenant Taylor has shown the greatest coolness and courage, and has invariably given his pilot instructions in a calm voice while insisting on a steady run over the target. On 28th January 1944, while attacking Berlin, he insisted on making a second orbit to ensure accurate bombing. // Flight Lieutenant Taylor's cheerfulness and coolness in moments of danger have been a great inspiration to the rest of the crew and I consider his unflagging zeal and contempt of danger fully merits the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. // The sortie list follows; those of 2 October 1943 to 12 April 1944 were on Halifax aircraft; those from 22 May to 8 August 1944 were on Lancasters: // 2 October 1943 - mining, Baltic area (8.25) // 8 October 1943 - Hanover (4.50) // 11 November 1943 - Cannes (10.15) // 22 November 1943 - Berlin (7.50) // 26 November 1943 - Stuttgart (8.35) // 20 January 1944 - Berlin (8.20) // 28 January 1944 - Berlin (9.10) // 12 February 1944 - mining, Frisian Islands (4.20) // 19 February 1944 - Leipzig (7.45) // 3 March 1944 - Meulan (6.00) // 4 March 1944 - mining, Brest (6.00) // 11 March 1944 - mining, St. Nazaire (7.30) // 18 March 1944 - mining, Heligoland (4.45) // 23 March 1944 - Laon (5.55) // 8 April 1944 - mining, Frisians (3.55) // 12 April 1944 - mining, Heligoland (6.25) // 22 May 1944 - Dortmund (4.50) // 24 May 1944 - Aachen (4.50) // 7 June 1944 - Acheres (4.55) // 10 June 1944 - Versailles (5.35) // 15 June 1944 - Boulogne (4.40, day) // 20 June 1944 - St. Martin l’Hortier (4.15, day) // 27 June 1944 - Ardouval (4.55) // 12 July 1944 - Thiverny (2.50, day, duty not carried out) // 25 July 1944 - Stuttgart (9.30) // 28 July 1944 - Hamburg (5.50) // 1 August 1944 - Acquet (4.25, day) // 3 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (5.25, day) // 4 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (6.05, day) // 7 August 1944 - Caen (4.35) // 8 August 1944 - Foret de Chantilly (5.05) // Notes: Assessment dated 30 July 1944 by W/C W. Pleasance, noting he had flown 439 hours five minutes (85.35 in previous six months). “Generally above average officer and bomb aimer. Would make an excellent Bombing Leader. Keen and conscientious.” // Assessment dated 5 July 1945 by F/L G. Duncan Mitchell, counter-signed by W/C A.J. Lewington regarding instructional duty at No.1666 Heavy Conversion Unit: “This officer is a qualified bombing leader and has been deputy bombing leader at this unit. He has done satisfactory work and at times shown keenness and a sense of responsibility.” // Form on repatriation dated 8 July 1945 stated he had flown 31 sorties (the last on 8 August 1944) for 194 operational hours; also 149 hours 45 minutes non-operational. Experience on Wellingtons (92.10), Halifax II (165.30), Lancaster X (77.05) and Blenheim (9.00). // Application for Operational Wing dated 16 August 1944 claimed 31 sorties (194 hours), 2 October 1943 to 8 August 1944. // As with many men, his actual investiture was delayed. A letter dated 28 July 1955 (Canadian Ambassador, Washington, to Department of External Affairs, Ottawa, citing letter from Ottawa, 21 April 1955) included the following paragraph: // You will be interested to learn that after carrying out a most thorough search, I eventually succeeded in tracking Flight Lieutenant Taylor to an office in this Embassy. He has, it seems, been a member of the Department of External Affairs for something close to five years. I was delighted, therefore, to be able to hold in my office on Wednesday, May 18, an appropriate ceremony, attended by other officers of this Embassy, at which I duly presented to Flight Lieutenant Taylor the insigna of the Distinguished Flying Cross that you sent to this Embassy. You may wish to pass this information too the Department of National Defence to show our appreciation for their efforts to determine Mr. Taylor’s whereabouts. // Website http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/yorkshire/york43/lk640.html provides the following: // HALIFAX LK640 DAMAGED BY FLAK, RETURNED TO THOLTHORPE AIRFIELD. // On the night of 2nd / 3rd October 1943 the crew of this 431 Squadron aircraft took off at 19.01hrs to undertake a mine laying flight, during the flight the aircraft suffered from a number of the aircraft's navigation equipment failing and being rendered unservicable. The aircraft also suffered damage to one of the engines as a result of a flak burst from fire from a flak ship but the crew however managed to make a safe return to Tholthorpe airfield on the three good engines and landed safely at 03.23hrs. The aircraft was quickly repaired and was being flown by the same pilot within a week operationally again. This was the crew's first operational flight with 431 Squadron. The aircraft appears to have carried nose art depicting "Q-Queenie" and was lost on Ops with 431 Squadron on 19th November 1943. Crew were - Pilot - S/L Wilbur Prevence Pleasance, RCAF (C1395); Navigator - F/O Lorne Albert Rotstein, RCAF (J21910); Wireless Operator/Air Gunner - Sergeant Robert Mark Emsley, RAFVR (1213524); Bomb Aimer - P/O David Robert Taylor, RCAF (J22498); Air Gunner - Flight Sergeant Edward H. Ihde, RCAF (R159397); Air Gunner - Sergeant Jack F. Tagg, RCAF (R193140); Flight Engineer - Sergeant Morley David McGill, RCAF (R166007). This crew were posted to 419 Squadron by the end of October 1943. Unfortunately 419 Squadron had lost its commanding officer W/C G. A. McMurdy on 23rd October 1943 on raid to Kassel and S/L (Acting W/C) Pleasance was posted to 419 Squadron (with his crew) to become the new 419 Squadron Commanding Officer.

TAYLOR, F/L Allan Douglas (J25790) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.92 Squadron - Award effective 12 March 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 March 1945 and AFRO 721/45 dated 27 April 1945. Born 14 June 1920 in Grey City, Ontario; educated in Beamsville (home there, farmer, employee of McKinnon Industries, St. Catharines, auto parts inspector); enlisted in Hamilton, 11 March 1942; posted that day to No.1 Manning Depot, Toronto. To No.4 BGS, Fingal, 26 June 1942 (non-flying duties). To No.1 ITS, Toronto, 15 August 1942. Graduated 9 October 1942 and promoted LAC. Posted to No.20 EFTS, Oshawa, 7 November 1942. To No.6 SFTS, Dunnville, 10 December 1942. Graduated and commissioned, 30 April 1943. To “Y” Depot, Halifax, 14 May 1943. Embarked from Canada, 23 June 1943. Disembarked in Britain, 1 July 1943. To No.7 (Pilots) AFU, 6 August 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 30 October 1943. To No.2 Personnel Despatch Centre, 4 December 1943. To Port of Embarkation, 12 December 1943. Disembarked in Egypt, 3 January 1944. To No.5 (Middle East) ARC (whatever that is), 3 January 1944. To OTU, Abu Sueir, 6 February 1944. To No.22 Personnel Despatch Centre, 26 March 1944. To Headquarters, Tunis Base Area, 15 April 1944. To Headquarters, Desert Air Force, 1 May 1944. To No.92 Squadron, 6 June 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 13 January 1945. To No.56 Personnel Transit Centre, 14 March 1945. To No.22 Personnel Transit Centre, 11 April 1945. Emplaned from Italy, 18 May 1945, arriving in Britain 19 May 1945. Repatriated to Canada, 5 August 1945. To No.4 Release Centre, 10 August 1945. Released 14 September 1945. Died in Mississauga, Ontario, 1979. Photograph PL-36610 is a formal portrait. Decoration presented 28 May 1947. Recommended when he had flown 120 sorties (150 operational hours). // Flight Lieutenant Taylor has proved himself to be an outstanding fighter bomber pilot. He has completed a very large number of operational sorties and by his consistent skill, enthusiasm and devotion to duty he has set an excellent example to all pilots. In September 1944, this officer, leading a formation of six aircraft, succeeded in locating a concentration of enemy troops which were massing for a counter attack against Giovanni di Galilea. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire he bombed and machine gunned the enemy troops so successfully that the counter attack was entirely broken off and our troops were able to enter the town unopposed. The whole operation was worthy of high commendation. // NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9150 has recommendation dated 2 January 1945 when he had flown 120 sorties (150 operational hours). // Flying Officer Taylor joined No.92 Squadron on 6th June 1944 and has now completed 150 hours operational flying. In the period during which the squadron was engaged on interception duties, Flying Officer Taylor obtained one ME.109 probably destroyed over Spezia. During the last three months Flying Officer Taylor has been fully capable of leading a flight and has done so on numerous occasions. His own individual bombing has been consistently of the highest standard of accuracy. // On 25th September 1944, Flying Officer Taylor, leading six aircraft, succeeded in locating a concentration of enemy troops massing for a counter attack at Giovanni di Galilea, Despite heavy flak he bombed and strafed so successfully that the counter attack was entirely broken up, the Colonel was killed and out troops were able to enter the town unopposed. The whole operation, warmly commended by the Army, was essentially due to Flying Officer Taylor. // Throughout his tour and especially during the recent period of close support, Flying Officer Taylor has been a tower of strength to the squadron and an inspiration to his brother pilots. His professional skill, dash and determination have bee outstanding and he has contributed in every possible way to the success of the squadron. // Notes: Assessed 25 March 1945 by Major J.E. Gasson, No.92 Squadron, when he had flown 591 hours (100 in past six months). “Outstandingly loyal and reliable. Has been an exceptional flight commander both in the air and on the ground.” // Application for Operational Wing dated 24 March 1945 stated he had flown 157 sorties (195 operational hours), 6 June 1944 to 11 March 1945; also 396 non-operational hours. // Repatriation form dated 10 July 1945 stated he had flown 157 sorties (195 operational hours), the last on 11 March 1945; also 171.10 non-operational hours. Types flown overseas were Master (79.05), Harvard (21.10) and Spitfire (265.45). Claimed one “probable” enemy aircraft. // Training: Attended No.1 ITS, 17 August to 9 October 1942. Courses in Mathematics, Law and Discipline, Navigation, General Studies, Anti-Gas Armament (written), Aircraft Recognition, Drill, Signals (written) and Meteorology. Scored 760 points of a possible 1,000. Placed 40th in a class of 64. “A quiet, reserved, capable airman, who does not show much initiative. Has plenty of ability if he can be encouraged to apply himself.” // Attended No.20 EFTS, 9 November to 30 December 1942. Tiger Moth aircraft - ten hours 50 minutes dual to first solo, 33.10 day dual, 29.00 day solo, 4.00 night dual. Was 10.45 on instruments. Logged 11.30 in Link. Ground courses in Navigation, Airmanship, Armament (written and practical), Aircraft Recognition and Signals (practical). Scored 554 points of a possible 700. Placed 15th in a class of 31. “Should make a good steady pilot with more time on forced landings. Side slipping should be improved, also steep turns and aerobatics.” // Attended No.6 SFTS, 11 January to 30 April 1943. Harvard aircraft - 8.40 dual to first solo, 73.05 day dual, 69.55 day solo, 4.50 night dual, 10.15 night solo. Was 16.40 in formation and 26.00 on instruments. Logged 20 hours in Link. Ground examinations in Navigation, Airmanship,, Armament (written and practical), Aircraft Recognition ,Signals (written and practical) and Meteorology. Scored 5792points of a possible 750. Placed 30th in a class of 42. “Flying improved steadily. Good average results.. Worked well. Deportment very good.” // Attended No.7 (Pilots) AFU, 6 August to 23 November 1943. Master aircraft - 2.25 day dual to first day solo, 19/30 total day dual, 47.10 solo day,1.15 night dual to first night solo, 5.00 total night dual, 8.25 night solo. Was 11.00 in formation, 3.20 on instruments and logged 12.15 in Link. Flying tests in General Flying (200/400), Applied Flying (100/200), Instrument Flying (125/250), Night Flying (65/100) and Link (30/50). “An average pilot who seems to have done quite well throughout the course/ Spinning recovery very good. Instrument flying good. Fit for solo on operational aircraft at night. No serious faults; he flew on several very dark nights.” // Attended OTU, Abu Sueir, 7 February to 17 March 1944. Harvard aircraft (3.25 dual to first solo, 8.25 total dual, 12.55 solo) and Spitfire (29 hours 50 minutes). Was 17.50 in formation, 2.45 on instruments, logged five hours in Link. Damaged a Harvard on 10 March 1944 (engine failure). Fired 400 rounds air-to-ground, 900 rounds air-to-air, exposed 125 feet of film. Flying tests in General Flying (250/400), Applied Flying (125/200), Instrument Flying (160/250) and Link (27/50). Ground examinations in Airmanship (222/300), Armament (235/300), Meteorology (73/100), Navigation (111/200) and Signals (74/100). “An extremely conscientious and sober pilot.”

TAYLOR, F/O Bertram (J27484) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.192 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born 1919 in Uxbridge, Ontario; home in Phippen, Saskatchewan (assistant geologist); enlisted in North Bay, Ontario, 19 June 1942. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 30 December 1942) and No.1 AOS (graduated 25 June 1943). Commissioned 1943. Decoration presented at Sea Island, 25 November 1949. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/8830 has recommendation dated 15 November 1944 when he had flown 29 sorties (148 hours), 10 June 1944 to 30 October 1944. In all the sorties listed, the job is described as "Special Duty". 10 Jun 44 Dreux (4.20) 29 Aug 44 Stettin (8.30) 12 Jun 44 Gelsenkirchen (3.05) 2 Sept 44 Lofoten Islands (9.05) 27 Jun 44 Paris (3.45) 11 Sep 44 Gladbach (3.00) 15 Jul 44 Nevers (7.25) 13 Sep 44 Darmstadt (4.40) 17 Jul 44 Dutch coast (1.50) 15 Sep 44 Dutch coast (7.10) 18 Jul 44 Scholven (Ruhr) 3.00 17 Sep 44 East of Saarbrucken (4.25) 20 Jul 44 Le Havre (2.45) 27 Sep 44 Kaiserslautern (4.25) 24 Jul 44 Stuttgart (7.15) 28 Sep 44 North of Zwolle (2.35) 28 Jul 44 Dutch coast (3.25) 5 Oct 44 Saarbrucken (5.30) 8 Aug 44 North Sea patrol (3.40) 6 Oct 44 Bremen (4.10) 10 Aug 44 Dijon (6.10) 9 Oct 44 Bochum (4.35) 12 Aug 44 Brunswick (5.00) 14 Oct 44 Brunswick (6.35) 16 Aug 44 Kiel (4.10) 23 Oct 44 Essen (4.50) 18 Aug 44 Sterkrade (3.00) 25 Oct 44 Essen (3.35) 26 Aug 44 German and Dutch 30 Oct 44 Wesseling (3.25) coasts (3.55) As navigator of a heavy bomber aircraft, this officer has completed a tour of operations including attacks on distant and heavily defended targets. He has at all times shown a cheerful desire to participate in operational flying and the high standard of his navigation has been largely responsible for the success of his sorties. NOTE: The Station Commander's remarks (dated 19 November 1944) are interesting in that they throw a little more light on the nature of his work: Taylor has proved himself to be a first class operational navigator. His tour has, for the most part been carried out against main force targets and his accuracy in his work has led to much valuable information being obtained from the investigation flights on which he has been employed.

TAYLOR, S/L Cameron John Wilde (J6857) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.407 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1944 as per London Gazette dated 11 February 1944 and AFRO 644/44 dated 24 March 1944. Born 18 January 1912 in Winnipeg; home there; enlisted there 16 December 1940 and immediately posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.7 Equipment Depot, 15 January 1941. To No.2 ITS, 4 March 1941; graduated 8 April 1941 and promoted LAC; to No.13 EFTS, 8 April 1941; to No.8 SFTS, 28 May 1941; graduated and commissioned 20 August 1941. To “Y” Depot, 21 August 1941. To RAF overseas, 9 December 1941. Promoted Flying Officer, 20 August 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 10 March 1943. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 August 1943. Repatriated to Canada early in 1944 for Staff College and was in Toronto as of 17 June 1944. To “Y” Depot, 30 September 1944; to United Kingdom again, 5 October 1944. Repatriated 23 July 1945; released 3 October 1945. Died in Kelowna, 20 July 2005 as per Legion Last Post. Photo PL-5689 shows the following personnel (all LACs at the time): Front Row, C.W. Palmer (Dundalk, Ontario), C.J.W. Taylor, A. Horn (Hamilton), H.W. Rowlands (Fergus, Ontario), C.B. Smith (West Pembroke); Second Row: P.S. Calvesbert (Brantford), W.D. Smith (Embro, Ontario), P.W. Porter (Hamilton), F.G. Stratham (Hamilton), C.M. Park (London). Photo PL-15835 shows Taylor, 24 August 1943, with F/O Don Bier (Woodstock) and F/O George Caey (Edmonton). DFC and Bar presented 10 May 1948. // This officer has displayed great courage and skill as captain of aircraft. He has completed a large number of sorties against enemy shipping and many anti-submarine patrols by night. Squadron Leader Taylor has in addition been largely responsible for the supervision of the operational training of all the crews in the squadron, both in the air and on the ground. His determination and devotion to duty have been most praiseworthy. // TAYLOR, S/L Cameron John Wilde (J6857) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.407 Squadron. Awarded 27 April 1945 as per London Gazette of 8 May 1945 and AFRO 966/45 dated 8 June 1945. // Squadron Leader Taylor is an outstanding flight commander who has participated in a large number of operational sorties. He is an excellent leader and the high standard of operational efficiency attained by his squadron is largely owing to his enthusiasm and untiring efforts. Towards the end of 1944, this officer was captain of an aircraft when a U-Boat was sighted. As the result of his determined and well executed attack the enemy submarine was probably sunk. // Public Record Office Air 2/9078 has recommendation drafted 9 March 1945 when he had flown 58 sorties (450 hours); see also entry for F/L C.D. Myers. // On the night of 29th/30th December 1944 this officer was captain of L/407 when a schorkeling U-Boat was“probably sunk” as a result of a determined and well executed attack against an exceedingly difficult and elusive target. This attack typifies Squadron Leader Taylor’s outstanding drive, efficiency and high qualities of leadership. // Aircraft referred to on 29/30 December is Wellington Service Number L/407/NC844, locality 5005N 0229W. // The Station Commander added his remarks on 14 March 1945 - an unusually long endorsement: // This officer is an outstanding flight commander and second in command of an A/U Squadron, the efficiency of which is largely due to his untiring effort. // The enthusiasm and zeal with which he does about his operational training and administrative duties within the unit is beyond all praise and an example to all aircrew personnel. // I consider that the award of a Bar to the DFC is a well deserved reward for continual good work, results of which bore fruit on the night of December 29/30, 1944. // The following story, submitted by Ross Hamilton (former Adjutant of No.407 Squadron) appeared in the December 2002 issue of Short Bursts (Air Gunner Association newsletter: // Christmas 1944 // 407 Demon Squadron, RCAF, Chivenor, North Devon, UK // One of our highly esteemed Flight Commanders, S/L Taylor, DFC & Bar, had decided that his guys on 407 were not going to be subjected to Christmas dinner of brussel sprouts, sans turkey, and he was about to do something about it. S/L Taylor was one of the original pilots on 407 Squadron when it was formed at Thorney Island in April 1941. He was one of the few survivors from the “short life expectancy “ era of flying Hudsons on the deadly enemy shipping strikes off the Dutch coast, and also on the first 1000-bomber raids on Germany. Thus he was a highly experienced airman and a force to be reckoned with. // The S/L, having relieved the Station Mess Officer of all “extra messing funds”, contacted an old friend, the messing Officer at RAF Station Limivady where he had once been stationed in Northern Ireland. Could his friend, by any chance, lay his hands on a few turkeys for the lads at Chivenor if he, Taylor, flew up to get them? No problem, how many do you want. (Rationing was not that severe in Ireland). // A couple of hours flying in a Leigh Light Wellington, without the usual crew complement, of course, S/L Taylor landed in Limivady. On arrival he was treated to numerous rounds in the mess by old acquaintances, and a fine “thrash” was soon in the making. // Finally, time to get back to Chivenor. “Messing Officer, are the turkeys ready to go?” “Yes sir, just taxi your aircraft to the other side of the airfield and a farmer will be waiting there with your birds.” The taxing detail was carried out and sure enough, the farmer was there waiting – with some 30 or 40 turkeys. You guessed it, they were all live! // Apparently the flight back to Chivenor was as interesting as any op trip, and one not likely to be experienced again. As related by the S/L, he was flying South East at 178 knots, with the crew of turkeys, airbourne enmass, flying due North at 7 to 10 knots, with numerous circuits in and out of the cockpit. He is still trying to compute the ground speed of both parties. // The grateful Canadians of 407 Chivenor thus were able to enjoy a good old home style Christmas turkey dinner, sans even one brussel sprout – all thanks to one very enterprising and caring Flight Commander who always put his ground crews and aircrews first. // One such practice, and perhaps why many of us are around today – every 407 aircraft that came out of maintenance, and before going back on the line, was thoroughly air-tested by S/L Taylor, always flying solo. Only then would he permit it to be delivered to the flight line. // As for the Wimpy that was borrowed for the Turkey Op., it was put U/S for a few days until the interior could be returned to some semblance of habitation. The guys participating in the cleaning job were amply supplied with beer by the grateful aircrews for as long as it took to complete the job. // S/L Taylor DFC & Bar is a legend unto himself. He resides in Kelowna B.C. and at age 87 (in 1998) was still putting in a 12 hour day at his heavy-construction consulting business. The heavy construction firm he built post-war produced the Trans Canada Highway through the Rockies. His philosophy is simple and to the point, “If you stop using that thing sitting on your shoulders – you lose it.” // AMEN!