Name: |
TAYLOR |
Given Name: |
THOMAS REGINALD JAMES |
Initials: |
T R J |
Service No: |
103704 |
Rank: |
CaptainOther Casualties of this Rank |
Regiment: |
South African Air Force |
Date of Death: |
1947-04-17Other Casualties on this
Date |
Date of Birth: |
1920-06-20 |
Age: |
26 |
Cause of Death: |
Died in Aircraft Accident, crashed between Malakal and Khartoum, in Lockheed PV-1 Ventura Mk V #6501 |
Decorations: |
D S O, D F C |
Citations: |
DSO LG Sup 13 July 1945 pg. 3619 - "This officer has completed many sorties on his third tour of operational duty. On 3 occasions in April, 1945, he led the squadron in harassing attacks on a variety of targets in the battle area. In these well planned and resolutely executed sorties much damage was inflicted on the enemy. The results obtained reflect the greatest credit on the gallant efforts of Major Taylor, whose skill and leadership were of a high order. Since the commencement of the final offensive in the Italian theatre in April, 1945, the squadron commanded by Major Taylor has been responsible for the destruction of a large number of mechanical vehicles, numerous barges and tanks. Many buildings occupied by the enemy, a good number of gun positions and various road and rail bridges have been most effectively attacked. This officer has set an example which has inspired all"; DFC LG Sup 26 May 1944 pg. 2436 - "In April, 1944, Captain Taylor led a small formation of aircraft in an engagement against 14 enemy fighters. In the fight four enemy aircraft were shot down, two of them by Captain Taylor. On a previous occasion this officer flew the leading aircraft of a formation which engaged a large force of bombers escorted by fighters. Three of the bombers were shot down and the remainder were forced to jettison their bombs and turn for home. In both these operations, Captain Taylor displayed high powers of leadership, great courage and determination. This officer has always shown the greatest keenness to engage the enemy and has destroyed 3 hostile aircraft" |
Additional
Information: |
Son of Frederick Aubrey and Christine Ramsey Taylor; husband of Annette Mary Taylor, of Banbridge, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. Born Johannesburg |
This information was last verified for accuracy: 2020-04-16
