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, Wg/O Winnifred May (V30031) - Member, Order of the British Empire - AFHQ - Award effective 13 June 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 660/46 dated 5 July 1946. Born in 30 October 1909 in Montreal; educated in Toronto. Employed by Canada Wire and Cable Company, 1927-28, then with Lever Brothers, 1928-41, rising to be in charge of Order Department. Enlisted there 23 October 1941 in Administration Branch. To Canadian Women’s Air Training Depot on enlistment. Commissioned 1 December 1941. Promoted Section Officer, 1 Jun 1942. Promoted Flight Officer, 1 July 1942. Promoted Squadron Officer, 20 November 1942 (first woman CO of an RCAF unit). To No.7 Manning Depot, 18 March 1943. To No.1 Training Command, 31 March 1944. To AFHQ, 12 September 1944 as Senior Staff Officer, WD; continued in that role until WDs disbanded,. Promoted Wing Officer, 1 October 1944. Retired 10 November 1946. Award presented 1 December 1948. Employed by Canada Customs after the war but was brought back to RCAF briefly in 1954 for consultative duties. Died September 1972. Wing Officer Taylor was among the first Royal Canadian Air Force Women's Division officers appointed. Her work from the very first was outstanding and as a result she was later assigned to increasingly responsible positions, first as Officer Commanding Training Wing, No.6 Manning Depot (WD), Toronto, the Commanding Officer No.6 Manning Depot (WD), after which she became Commanding Officer of No.7 Manning Depot (WD), Rockcliffe. In these important appointments she displayed outstanding administrative ability, coupled with loyalty and devotion to duty of a high order. By her example, initiative and leadership she created a very high standard of initial training of airwomen, the great majority of whom passed through her hands. This officer is now the Senior Women's Division Staff Officer, and through her character and personality has continued to exercise a tremendous influence for good among the airwomen. It is considered that the splendid Service attitude and discipline of thousands of airwomen are in large measure a result of Wing Officer Taylor's example and effort.

TAYLOR, S/L Kenneth Garth (RAF 41331) - Air Force Cross - No.1 General Reconnaissance School - Awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1945 and AFRO 89/45 dated 19 January 1945. Born 18 June 1914 in Port Elgin, New Brunswick; home there. Educated at Port Elgin, 1920 to 1932, at Mount Allison University (Sackville), September 1932 to January 1934, and Acadian University (Wolfville, Nova Scotia), January to June 1934 (pre-medical studies). Then took an Aero Engine Mechanics Course at Curtiss Wright Institute of Aeronautics, California. "Worked for Amelia Earhart Union Air Terminal, California, 1936-1937". Received Private Pilots License in California, having flowm 32 hours dual and solo by the time he applied to the RAF. Also a local surveyor and scaler in lumber industry. When interviewed in September 1937 by Lieutenant-Colonel A.H.W. Landon for RAF consideration, he was described thus: "Good type - smart - intelligent. Keenly interested in aviation. Has a good personality and is considered suitable to hold a commission. Has gone to great pains to endeavour to fit himself for professional aviation". Enlisted August 1938; appointed Acting Pilot Officer on Probation in RAF, 29 October 1938. Attended Elementary Flying Training School at Middlesex, August to 9 November 1938; No.3 Service Flying Training School, South Cerney, November 1938 to May 1939; Torpedo Training Unit, Gosport, June-30 July 1939; No.42 Squadron, Thorney Island, August to 15 December 1939; No.254 Squadron (Blenheims), January to July 1940 (anti-submarine patrols and fishing fleet patrols); No.42 Squadron, Wick, July to November 1940 (Beauforts and torpedo training); promoted Flying Officer, 3 September 1940. At No.1 School of General Reconnaissance, Blackpool (instructor), November 1940 to January 1941. To No.31 School of General Reconnaissance, Charlottetown, January 1941 to August 1942; promoted Flight Lieutenant, 3 September 1941. With No.1 General Reconnaissance School, Canada, August 1942 to February 1945; promoted Squadron Leader, 1 June 1943. No.1 Radio and Navigation School, Summerside, February 1945 to end of war. AFRO 1129/41 dated 3 October 1941 reported his promotion from Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant, effective 3 September 1941; promoted to Squadron Leader, 1 July 1944. Applied for transfer from the RAF to the RCAF on 29 March 1943; transferred to RCAF 20 October 1944 while serving at No.1 General Reconnaissance School (C49078); to No.1 Radio and Navigation School, 4 February 1945; to Air Navigation School, 16 September 1945l ; to Station Greenwood, 17 December 1945; to Eastern Air Command, 10 March 1946; to Dartmouth, 5 November 1946; to Goose Bay, 7 December 1946. To Dartmouth, 8 February 1947; released 13 February 1947. Died 28 December 1987 in Saint John, New Brunswick as per Royal Canadian Legion “Last Post” website and Legion Magazine of March 1988. Recommended on 3 August 1944 by G/C A. Lewis; as of that date he had flown 2,381 hours (142 in previous six months) of which 1,550 hours had been on instructional duties (142 in previous six months). As of that date he was also credited with 355 operational hours (78 sorties). // 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. // Recommendation raised 3 August 1944 by G/C A. Lewis, No.1 GRS, Summerside. To date he had flown 2,381 hours (142 in previous six months) of which 1,550 had been instructional (142 in past six months). Also credited with 78 sorties (355 operational hours). // This officer has displayed energy, efficiency and organising ability far beyond the ordinary course of duty. By night and day he has consistently been on duty many long hours over and above the normal working hours and by personal supervision has been responsible for the consistently high record of monthly flying hours with no loss of life during his regime as Flying Squadron Commander. // Notes: Assessed 20 March 1943 - “Flight Lieutenant Taylor has had considerable experience as a Flight Commander and has fulfilled those duties most satisfactorily, He is dependable, respected by his subordinates and has proved his ability to accept greater responsibilities.” (S/L A.J. Mould, No.1 GRS). // Application for Operational Wing dated 18 January 1946 listed the following sorties: // With No.22 Squadron: // 11 November 1939 - Anson I - Convoy Patrol (3.20) // 14 November 1939 - Anson I - Convoy Patrol (3.10) // 21 November 1939 - Anson I - Convoy Patrol (3.15) // 23 November 1939 - Anson I - Convoy Patrol (4.15) // 24 November 1939 - Anson I - Convoy Patrol (3.55) // With No.254 Squadron: // 22 January 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishing Fleet Patrol (3.25) // 24 January 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (3.30) // 25 January 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (4.25) // 28 January 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishing Fleet Patrol (3.45) // 30 January 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishing Fleet Patrol (3.30) // 31 January 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Armed Patrol (2.45) // 4 February 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (3.45) // 8 February 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishery Fleet Patrol (4.45) // 12 February 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (3.45) // 13 February 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (3.25) // 15 February 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (4.35) // 20 February 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (3.55) // 22 February 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishery Fleet Patrol (3.45) - He,111 V shot down // 24 February 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (3.25) // 26 February 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (4.10) // 28 February 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishery Fleet Patrol (4.15) - He.111 V escaped in cloud. // 3 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishery Fleet Patrol (4.35) // 4 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishery Fleet Patrol (3.50) // 5 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Sea search, naval units (4.55) // 7 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishery Fleet (3.20) // 7 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Armed Search Patrol, Light Ship (3.45) // 8 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishery Fleet (4.20) - downed Heinkel float plane // 9 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (3.25) // 9 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (4.25) // 11 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Search, naval units (4.45) // 13 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Dusk Patrol, Light Ships (4.45) // 15 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy (4.45) // 17 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishery Fleet (3.45) // 19 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Naval Search (5.05) // 21 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy Escort (4.55) // 22 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Convoy Escort (4.55) // 24 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Armed Search Patrol (3.35) // 27 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Search for buoys, sub nets off Denmark (4.50) // 30 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Skagerak Patrol (5.25) // 31 March 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Fishery Patrol (3.40) // 8 April 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Search (4.25) // 10 April 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - recce and photo of Stavanger airport (5.25) // 11 April 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Patrol (1.45) // 13 April 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Patrol (4.25) // 16 April 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Patrol to Norway (4.25) // 24 May 1940 - Blenheim IV - English Channel - Patrol French coast (2.55) // 28 May 1940 - Blenheim IV - North Sea - Patrol and recce Norway (4.45) // 29 May 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (1.45) // 31 May 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (3.45) // 12 June 1940 - Blenheim IV - Armed Patrol (3.50) - Attacked float plane, crash landed. // 15 June 1940 - Blenheim IV - Search (4.45) // 16 June 1940 - Blenheim IV - Fishing Fleet (3.45) // 17 June 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy Patrol (3.55) // 19 June 1940 - Blenheim IV - Fishing Fleet (4.10) // 20 June 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (3.00) // 24 June 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (4.45) // With No.42 Squadron: // 4 July 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (3.25) // 9 July 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (4.45) // 12 July 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (4.15) // 18 July 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (4.15) // 25 July 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (2.55) // 4 August 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (3.45) // 5 August 1940 - Blenheim IV - Convoy (2.25)

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.

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 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, 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 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.

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!

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, Flight Sergeant Ralph Edgar (R98213) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.420 Squadron - Award effective 10 March 1943 as per London Gazette dated 23 March 1943 and AFRO 757/43 dated 30 April 1943. Born at Broomville (Boonville ?), Indiana, 1916; home there (farm hand); enlisted in Windsor, Ontario, 22 November 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 15 July 1941), No.19 EFTS (graduated 31 August 1941), and No.12 SFTS (graduated 22 November 1941). Award presented at Buckingham Palace, 18 May 1943. Killed in action, 288 May 1943 (Wellington HE294, No.432 Squadron). Name on Runnymede Memorial. Had been commissioned (J18109). One night in February 1943, this airman was the pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack Wilhelmshaven. Although the constant speed unit of one of the propellers became unserviceable early on the outward journey, Flight Sergeant Taylor flew on to the target and bombed it. Shortly afterwards, while [when ?] the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, trouble developed in the port engine and it went out of control. Flight Sergeant Taylor quickly regained control and a few minutes later, when the bomber was attacked by an enemy fighter, he skilfully evaded its fire and enabled his own rear gunner to deliver a damaging burst. Sometime later the port engine ceased to function but Flight Sergeant Taylor succeeded in flying the damaged aircraft back to this country. He displayed great courage and devotion to duty throughout.

TAYLOR, F/O Thomas Wissell (J24251) - Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palm (deceased) - Awarded 17 July 1948 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 455/48 dated 23 July 1948. Navigator, killed in action with No.426 Squadron, 12/13 May 1944. Buried in Belgium.