TAYLOR, F/O William John (J85567) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.426 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 1920 in London, Ontario; home there; enlisted there 13 February 1942. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 9 October 1942), No.12 EFTS (graduated 22 January 1943) and No.14 SFTS (graduated 11 June 1943). Commissioned 1944. Posted to No.426 Squadron from No.61 Base, 14 May 1944; to "R" Depot, 3 November 1944. Award sent by registered mail 30 March 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." DHist file 181.009 D.4431 (RG.24 Vol.20649) has recommendation dated 16 October 1944 when he had flown 35 sorties (157 hours 20 minutes), 19 May to 26 September 1944. Flying Officer Taylor has completed 35 sorties over enemy territory, several of which have been over the most heavily defended areas of Hamburg, Kiel, and Metz. During all these trips this pilot has shown great determination in pressing home his attacks. He is a fine captain whose keenness and ability have been a source of inspiration to all his crew. He is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate).

TAYLOR, Captain Carroll Alfred (USAAF O-885989) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.427 Squadron - award approved 13 July 1944 but not published in London Gazette. Citation in DHist file 181.009 D.3051 (National Archives of Canada RG.24 Vol.20634). This captain of aircraft has completed a tour of operational duty throughout which he displayed the utmost vigour and determination. His high personal qualities and fine offensive spirit have inspired great confidence in others with whom he has flown.

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, 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, 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.”

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, Lieutenant Merrill Samuel - Croix de Guerre (France) - date and authority not certain; mentioned in DNS 7-3 files and University of Toronto Roll of Service. Born 15 April 1893 at Singhampton, Ontario; educated there plus Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan, Regina, and University of Toronto (Applied Science, 1912-1916). Appointed Probationary Flight Officer, RNAS, Ottawa, 19 January 1917 and posted effective that date to Crystal Palace; to Chingford, 10 March 1917; to Cranwell, 19 July 1917; appointed Flight Sub-Lieutenant, August 1917; to Dover Patrol, 23 August 1917; to No.9 (N) Squadron, September 1917 until 7 July 1918 (killed in action); elsewhere reported as killed 6 October 1918 but the Commonwealth War Graves records the earlier date. Commemorated on Arras Flying Services Memorial which commemorates almost 1,000 airmen of the Royal Naval Air Service, the Royal Flying Corps, and the Royal Air Force, either by attachment from other arms of the forces of the Commonwealth or by original enlistment, who were killed on the whole Western Front and who have no known grave. The Commonwealth War Graves entry mentions him as having a Croix de Guerre, but as of 10 July 2016 the London Gazette entry has not been found, and his sparse RAF record (Air 76/498) does not mention it. Air 1/1228/204/5/2634/209 has a Combat Report which includes him: 17 April 1918 Type of Aeroplane: Sopwith BR.1 Armament: two synchronized Vickers guns. Pilots: Lieutenants Redgate, Foster, Taylor. Time: 2.45 p.m. Duty: H.O.P. [high offensive patrol] Locality: East of Villers Brettenau Height: 2,000 feet Remarks on Hostile Machine - Type, armament, speed - five Albatross V-Strutters. Narrative We attacked five E.A. which were travelling west at 2,000 feet. Lieutenant Foster and myself attacked one , firing at close range. E.A.was observed to fall doing flat turns. Lieutenant Foster observed one of the E.A. crashed on the ground at P.27c62D. Lieutenant Taylor was firing at about 25 yards range at another E.A. which went down smoking badly. Lieutenant Mellerish observed E.A. smoking but was unable to follow him down as he disappeared into the clouds. The E.A. pilots did not seem capable of turning their machines to their best advantage. [signed by W.O. Redgate].

TAYLOR, FS Sander Lochhead (R74742) - Mention in Despatches - Station Sea Island - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Home in Vancouver; enlisted there 10 October 1940 following five years in RCMP. Postwar he was in RCAF Security Services and was awarded Queen's Coronation Medal, 28 October 1953 (Flying Officer). This non-commissioned officer has an outstanding record in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Possessing initiative and high qualities of leadership, he has done great work in building up the morale of all airmen in his section. His investigations have been through and well carried out. His devotion to duty over an extended period has been of a high order.