WILLIAM EDWARD GEORGE SGT(P) R80890, From Toronto, Ontario. Killed Feb 6/42 age 21. #21 Operational Training Unit. Wellington aircraft #R 1047 was loaded with practise bombs when it crashed one mile south of Edgehill, England. Sgt R.F. Anderson and four RAF airmen were also killed. Sergeant Pilot Taylor is buried in the St, Malachi Church of Ireland Churchyard, Hillsborough, County Down, Ireland.

WILLIAM JOHN P/O(P) J24309. From St. Thomas, Ontario. Killed in Action Dec 2/43 age 25. #1664 Conversion Unit, Croft, Yorkshire. Halifax aircraft #DG 982 crashed at Northallerton, Yorkshire. P/O D.C. Walker, FSs J. Wallace, J.M. Beatty, and three of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed. Pilot Officer Pilot Taylor is buried in the Stonef all Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.

WILLIAM MOSSOP LAC(P) R204157 - under training. From Ottawa, Ontario. Killed Jan 9/44 age 19. #6 Service Flying Training School, Dunnville, Ontario. LAC Taylor was flying Harvard aircraft #2872 on a navigation exercise and was killed when the aircraft either stalled or went into a spin from a dive and crashed five miles north-east of Florence, Ontario. Leading AirCraftman Pilot Taylor is buried in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, Ontario.

D.G. R73449. The crash was near Tumberry, not Trunberry. Detail provided by A E. Barnard, Burlington, On.

H.A R55406. Night bombing operations to Koln, Germany. Three RAF members of the crew, FS. J.E. Phillips, Sgt.s S.A Harvey, and R.K. Hayes were also killed.

L.C. R75732. Wellington aircraft Z1141 was shot down in flames while engaged on night operations, a bombing attack against the German U-Boat base at St. Nazaire, France. Sgt. B.W. Harris (RAF) was also killed.

M.E. J16534. The correct surname is TAYLER. Detail provided by Melvin E. Tayler's sister.

R.C. J21888. Target - Berlin, Germany. F/L. T.L. Griffiths (RAAF) and six RAF members of the crew, Sgt.s BJ. Allen, C.A. Brown, F.E. Chapman, P.W. Wright, J.W. Griffiths, and FS. H. Morral were also killed. Detail from "We Will Remember Them" - A. Lovett.

R.W. R15283. The aircraft involved was No. LK 998, not U 998 as reported. #517 squadron was formed as Meteorological Reconnaissance Squadron and was being trained as such. The aircraft to be used were to be especially equipped with a Met Observers position and Vickers Gas operated machine gun positions installed in positions cut into the side of the fuselage aft of the wing. The Halifaxes to be used were Mk 1 and early Mk 2 versions which had a badly designed tail and during violent maneuvers the rudder would Jock. On February 23rd a crew undertook the first fighter affiliation exercise under the direction of the Gunnery Leader who stood behind the pilot looking out the astrodome giving directions as the fighter made his approach. As the situation developed he began screaming tighter! steeper! until the pilot objected and told him to buzz off. On the next day the Gunnery Leader flew with this crew. The exercise proceeded normally, according to the Spitfire pilot, until as he closed his approach the Halifax started to steepen up his diving tum to port went into a flat spin until the whole tail broke off and the ale fell to the ground, having displayed all of the characteristics of rudder Jock. The investigation revealed that the Gunnery Leader had served previously on Sunderland aircraft which were capable of absorbing large amounts of punishment in extreme flying attitudes. Detail provided by R.J. Gurney, Dunrobin, Ontario.

C.G. R69562. The squadron was based at Leeming and the crew were lost during an attack against Nuremburg. Detail from "Some of the Many" by Roy Walker, Kent, England.

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 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, W/C Carl Clark (C2825) - Air Force Cross - No.3 Bombing and Gunnery School - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Born in Tennessee, 11 December 1899 as per RCAF Press Release reporting award; private schooling in Dallas; home given as Los Angeles; enlisted in Ottawa, 25 September 1940. To No.1 BGS, 22 November 1940. To Station Mountain View, 6 March 1942. To No.1 BGS, 4 May 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 July 1942. To No.7 BGS, 6 July 1942. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 November 1942. To No.3 BGS, 16 June 1943, serving there to 11 October 1943. Possibly overseas briefly, but posted again to No.3 BGS, 3 January 1944. Promoted Wing Commander, 1 October 1944. Posted away from No.3 BGS, 7 January 1945; retired 8 January 1945. Died in Los Angeles, 27 January 1960. Had completed 1,229 flying hours to date of recommendation. Award presented 17 December 1945. // This officer has served as chief instructor at this unit for fifteen months and has produced a very high degree of training efficiency, both on the ground and in the air. He has continuously set a fine example of devotion to duty to those working under him and has taken an active part in air exercises. The excellent air gunner training given at this unit is largely the result of this officer's personal efforts and example. He has made a valuable contribution to bombing and gunnery training.

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/O Elmer Franklin (C19526) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 12 December 1944 and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. Born 20 October 1916 in Nesbitt, Manitoba; educatedin Minnewawa; home in Arcola, Saskatchewan (farm hand and mechanic); enlisted in Calgary, 16 August 1941 as Aero Engine Mechanic. Posted to No.1 Manning Depot on enlistment. To Technical Training School, 12 September 1941. Promoted AC1, 19 January 1942. To No.10 SFTS, 21 January 1942. To “Y” Depot, 12 March 1942. Promoted LAC, 19 April 1942. To RAF overseas, 30 April 1942. Disembarked in Britain, 13 May 1942. To No.3063 Echelon, 11 June 1942. To No.409 Squadron, 7 December 1942. To No.4 School of Technical Training, 2 June 1943. Promoted Sergeant, 26 July 1943 on remuster to aircrew. To No.1666 Conversion Unit, 31 July 1943. To No.428 Squadron, 26 August 1943. Commissioned 17 December 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 17 June 1944. To No.1659 Conversion Unit, 21 August 1944. Repatriated 18 June 1945; to Debert, 19 June 1945; retired 16 September 1945. Died in Trail, British Columbia, 6 August 1997. Award sent by registered mail 11 July 1950. No citation other than "..in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations against the enemy." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 2 September 1944 when he had flown 32 sorties (221 hours 55 minutes), 30 June 1943 to 3 August 1944. This is odd pattern - one sortie on 30 June 1943 (Munchen-Gladbach) and the next one 5 September 1943. Mannheim incident described may have been either 5 September 1943 or 18 November 1943. // As Flight Engineer, Flying Officer Taylor has completed one tour of operations having made thirty-two attacks against the enemy to twenty-seven different targets. He has attacked Berlin four times, Leipzig twice, Hamburg, Kassel, Frankfurt and many other targets in Germany and France. He performed his duties so well that his aircraft reached the target on every sortie with no technical failures and always returned on four engines. On one occasion, just after the bombs were released on Mannheim, only very quick action prevented the failure of one engine through over-heating. He quickly closed the radiator shutters allowing the lubricant to warm up and flow freely, even though the oil temperature gauge was already reading excessively hot. His keenness, above average ability, and crew co-operation made him an ideal member of his crew, and on occasions he have invaluable aid to both the navigator and gunners. // For the completion of an extremely satisfactory tour of operations, for the efforts he put forth in converting crews to a new type of aircraft and for strong support of the squadron at all times, I recommend the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. // The sortie list was as follows: // 30 June 1943 - Munchen-Gladbach (6.40) // 31 August 1943 - Berlin (8.00) // 5 September 1943- Mannheim (8.10) // 15 September 1943- Mont Lucon (7.25) // 16 September 1943- Modane (8.50) // 8 October 1943 - Hanover (5.20) // 22 October 1943 - Kassel (8.00) // 3 November 1943 - Dusseldorf (6.45) // 11 November 1943 - Cannes (10.30) // 18 November 1943 - Mannheim (8.05) // 19 November 1943 - Leverkusen (6.50) // 22 November 1943 - Berlin (8.10) // 25 November 1943 - Frankfurt (8.15) // 3 December 1943 - Leipzig (8.20) // 4 January 1944 - Gardening (5.15) // 20 January 1944 - Berlin (8.15) // 28 January 1944 - Berlin (9.00) // 11 February 1944 - Gardening (5.30) // 19 February 1944 - Leipzig (7.00) // 3 March 1944 - Gardening (7.45) // 6 March 1944 - Trappes (4.50) // 22 March 1944 - Gardening (6.55) // 23 March 1944 - Laon (5.20) // 25 March 1944 - Aulnoye (6.15) // 29 March 1944 - Paris (6.05) // 9 April 1944 - Lille (4.45) // 23 April 1944 - Gardening (6.30) // 21 June 1944 - St. Martin (4.35, day) // 18 July 1944 - Wesseling (5.40) // 24 July 1944 - Stuttgart (6.45) // 28 July 1944 - Hamburg (5.00) // 3 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (6.00, day) // Notes: Application for Operational Wing dated 28 August 1944 states he had flown 32 sorties (226 hours ten minutes), 30 August 1943 to 3 August 1944.

TAYLOR, Sergeant Ernest Alfred (R81075) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 12 April 1943 as per London Gazette dated 20 April 1943 and AFRO 985/43 dated 28 May 1943. See War Service Records 1939-1945 (Canadian Bank of Commerce, 1947). Born 22 June 1920 in Ottawa; educated in Vancouver. Bank employee from March 1937 onwards. Enlisted 22 November 1940 in Vancouver. Trained at No.7 BGS (graduated 1 September 1941) and No.3 WS (graduated 17 March 1941). Award presented at Buckingham Palace, 12 October 1943. See also DFC for F/O W.W. Colledge. War Service Records 1939-1945 says "Had several narrow escapes, once being hit by a German fighter and sent crashing into the sea after a raid on Bremen; at another time, after being hit, dropped 10,000 feet." Died 19 August 1944 following a motorcycle accident in Yorkshire. Sergeant Taylor has participated in many operational sorties. On one occasion he was serving as mid-upper gunner in an aircraft detailed for an anti-submarine patrol, when his aircraft was attacked by a formation of four Junkers 88. A running fight ensued, lasting thirty-six minutes, during which, as a result of the fine marksmanship of this airman, one hostile aircraft was shot down and others were damaged. Sergeant Taylor displayed skill, determination and courage.

TAYLER, F/L Frank Edward (J21995) - Air Force Cross - Station Pennfield Ridge - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946. Born 30 July 1917. Home in Toronto; enlisted there 3 January 1942. To No.1 Manning Depot, 11 January 1942. To No.1 BGS, 14 February 1942 (guard duty). To No.6 ITS, 11 April 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 5 June 1942 but not posted to No.20 EFTS until 20 June 1942; graduated 29 August 1942 when posted to No.5 SFTS; graduated and commissioned, 18 December 1942; to No.1 Flying Instructor School, 8 January 1943. To No.16 SFTS, 7 March 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 18 June 1943. To No.1 Flying Instructor School, 19 August 1943. To No.164 Transport Squadron, 18 June 1944. To Communications Squadron, 10 July 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 December 1944. To Release Centre, 4 September 1945. Retired 13 September 1945. Decoration presented 22 January 1948. Living in Toronto, 1950. As of award he had flown 2,246 hours, of which 2,100 were as instructor, 365 hours in previous six months. This officer has been a flying instructor in Transport Conversion Squadron since its inception at this unit. He is a keen, conscientious officer and pilot. His air work has been exemplary and his special work and tests on weight and balance will add greatly to the safety of transport flying in the service.

TAYLOR, Corporal George William (R100327) - Mention in Despatches - No.97 Squadron - Award effective 14 January 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 874/44 dated 21 April 1944. Born 11 September 1913; enlisted in Winnipeg, 7 April 1941; began as radio mechanic; remustered to Radar Mechanic, 22 May 1942. Posted overseas February 1942; repatriated 21 August 1945; released 5 October 1945.

TAYLOR, F/O James Edgar (J27472) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 21 September 1911 in Shebo, Saskatchewan; home in Fillmore, Saskatchewan (clerk); enlisted in Montreal, 8 June 1942. To No.5 Manning Depot, 1 July 1942. To No.7 SFTS (non-flying duty), 17 August 1942. To No.1 ITS, 24 October 1942; promoted LAC, 30 December 1942; to No.5 AOS, 6 February 1943; graduated and commissioned on 25 June 1943. To “Y” Depot, 9 July 1943. To United Kingdom, 15 July 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 25 December 1943. Repatriated 14 August 1945. To Lachine, 21 August 1945. Released 4 December 1945. RCAF photo PL-41577 (ex UK-18421 dated 22 January 1945) taken on the occasion of his marriage to Lieutenant Dietician Myrtle I. Sharp (Prince Albert, Saskatchewan). Award presented 6 September 1947. 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 7 October 1944 when he had flown 33 sorties (158 hours), 22 May to 25 September 1944. // Flying Officer Taylor has maintained an exceptionally high standard of determination, skill and navigational efficiency on a large number of operational sorties to the enemy's most heavily defended targets. // On the night of May 24th, 1944, when attacking Aachen, Flying Officer Taylor found that his compass had veered over forty degrees for some little time. By his speed and accurate reactions to the situation, he put his aircraft back on track by the best possible means and so reduced materially the danger of his aircraft and crew. // He has invariably shown great resource in maintaining a high degree of accuracy in the navigation of his heavy bomber and his enthusiasm and devotion to duty have set a very high example to the remainder of his crew and to the squadron as a whole. // I consider the undoubted courage and enthusiasm that this officer has shown to attack the enemy fully merits the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. // The sortie list was as follows: // 22 May 1944 - Dortmund (5.05) // 24 May 1944 - Aachen (5.25) // 27 May 1944 - Bourg Leopold (4.40) // 31 May 1944 - Mount Couple (3.35) // 4 June 1944 - Calais (3.30) // 5 June 1944 - Longue (5.00) // 15 June 1944 - Boulogne (4.20, day) // 16 June 1944 - Sterkrade (5.10) // 21 June 1944 - St. Martin l’Hortier (5.20, day) // 23 June 1944 - Bientiques (3.55) // 24 June 1944 - Bamiers (4.05) // 27 June 1944 - Forey d’Eawy (4.33) // 6 July 1944 - Siracourt (4.20, day) // 12 July 1944 - Thiverny (4.45, day) // 15 July 1944 - Bois Desjardin (4.30) // 18 July 1944 - Caen (4.35, day) // 20 July 1944 - L’Hey (4.00, day) // 1 August 1944 - Acquet (4.30, day) // 3 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (5.05, day) // 4 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.55, day) // 5 August 1944 - St. Leu d’Esserent (4.45, day) // 8 August 1944 - Foret de Chantilly (5.25, day) // 9 August 1944 - Pas Acquet de Calais (4.10) // 12 August 1944 - Brunswick (6.20) // 14 August 1944 - Pontigny (4.30, day) // 15 August 1944 - Soesterburg (4.10, day) // 18 August 1944 - Bremen (5.00) // 6 September 1944 - Emden (3.45, day) // 10 September 1944 - Le Havre (5.00, day) // 12 September 1944 - Dortmund (4.45, day) // 14 September 1944 - Wilhelmshaven (3.05, recalled) // 15 September 1944 - Kiel (5.35) // 18 September 1944 - Domburg (5.00, day) // 25 September 1944 - Calais (5.10) // The website “Lost Bombers” describes an incident in his career. Lancaster KB735, No.419 Squadron (VR-O), target Walcheren, 18 September 1944. This aircraft was delivered to No.419 Squadron on 20 May 1944. Known to have flown on operations against Caen (7/8 August 1944) and Stettin (16/17 August 1944), subsequently crashing on return from Walcheren at which time it had a total of 314 hours flying . Airborne 1534 hours from Middleton St.George to bomb gun emplacement near Domburg. Due to adverse weather conditions, the Mosquito target marker aircraft were unable to identify the Aiming Point and the Master Bomber called off the attack. On return, the crew tried to land at East Moor airfield, but over-ran the runway and crashed at 2036. No injuries reported. Crew (mostly RCAF) were F/L W.R.Chalcraft (later awarded DFC), Sergeant J.R.Gunn (RAF), F/O J.E.Taylor (later awarded DFC), F/O C.D. Christian (later awarded DFC), P/O P.E.Bourassa (awarded DFC), Sergeant E.G.Legault and Flight Sergeant H.C.Annable (later awarded DFM).

TAYLOR, F/L John Dineen (J12337) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.404 Squadron - Award effective 27 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 8 May 1945 and AFRO 966/45 dated 8 June 1945. Born in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, 11 December 1920; home in Victoria. Educated at University of British Columbia; enlisted in Vancouver, 2 August 1941 and posted to No.2A Manning Depot. To No.38 SFTS (guard duty), 18 August 1941; to No.4 ITS, 10 October 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 6 December 1941; posted that date to No.18 EFTS; to No.15 SFTS, 28 February 1942; graduated and commissioned 19 June 1942. To No.1 GRS, 3 July 1942. To “Y” Depot, 19 September 1942. To RAF overseas, 2 October 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 19 December 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 19 June 1944. Repatriated to Canada, 8 September 1945. Released 19 November 1945. Award presented 29 January 1947. RCAF photo PL-28086 (ex UK-8975 dated 18 March 1944) shows him at tail of Beaufighter; describes him as “a former engineering student at the University of British Columbia” and “a recent recruit to the Buffalo squadron.” Died in British Columbia, 29 October 2014. // Since February 1944 this officer has completed a large number of operational sorties, several of which were attacks on the enemy's shipping off the Norwegian and Dutch coasts and in the Bay of Biscay. These attacks were made against heavily defended convoys and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from the shore defences and ships and were pressed home with fearless determination. // Public Record Office Air 2/9078 has recommendation drafted by W/C E.W. Pierce, 28 March 1945 when he had flown 48 sorties (198 hours 35 minutes). // Flight Lieutenant Taylor joined this squadron on the 15th of February 1944 and during the past year has completed 198.35 operational hours for 48 sorties, of which no less than ten were anti-shipping strikes on the Norwegian and Dutch coasts and in the Bay of Biscay. The targets have included enemy destroyers, naval auxiliaries, mine sweepers and merchant vessels. His attacks have taken place against heavily defended convoys, defended by balloons, shore-based flak as well as ship-borne flak. On very many occasions he has led this squadron forming part of the strike wing, and has always given the wing leader every confidence and the fullest support. He himself has always pressed home his attacks with fearlessness and the determination to inflict the maximum possible damage to the enemy. // Flight Lieutenant Taylor is one of the most experienced and capable operational pilots on the squadron and I have no hesitation in recommending him for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. // RCAF Press Release No.6530 dated 12 September 1944 from F/O T. Mosher, transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates, reads: // The only enemy action encountered during an anti-shipping sweep off Norway this morning by a RAF Coastal Command Beaufighter Wing occurred as the aircraft left their base. Beaufighter “S for Sugar” of the RCAF Buffalo squadron flew into a flock of seagulls while only 10 feet off the runway during the take-off. One bird flew between the propeller blades to clash into the leading edge of the port wing just inboard of the engine nacelle damaging the oil feed line. F/L J.D. Taylor, the captain, of Victoria, B.C., quickly feathered the propeller shutting off that engine, completed the take-off and limped to a neighbouring airfield to make a successful one-engined landing. // F/L Taylor showed great presence of mind in not returning to his own airfield to interrupt the take-off of other aircraft leaving for a sweep. With him as navigator was P/O Stan Paget of St.Catharine’s Ontario.