Taylor, Vernon William Charles

Date of birth:: (Melksham/Wiltshire, Great Britain)
Date of death:: April 20th, 2008
Service number:: 541262 (NCO)/48843 (Officer)
Nationality:: British

Biography

Vernon Taylor joined the Royal Air Force on September 3rd 1939; he was with Unit 'A' 13 (AC) Squadron as an Air Gunner. He qualified as Gunnery Leader 27th August 1941 at Central Gunnery School and participated in 3 tours over Germany and France: 30 trips equalling one tour.
During one mission he was was Gunnery Leader inthe Mid Upper Gunner position. The mission was bombing an aerodrome at Tours; 5 hours and 5 minutes in the air. The Lancaster was attacked 7 times by the enemy in a Messerschmitt 410. During the mission, the enemy plane was claimed as damaged. Evasive action was taken by the Lancaster dropping from 8500 feet to 200 feet. The Lancaster crew dropped 1X 4000 lb and 15X 500 lb bombs and fired 800 rounds.
He retired from the RAF in 1952 and eventually immigrated to Australia 1963. After 65 years of marriage, he passed away 20th April 2008.

Promotions:
? Flight Sergeant
1 May, 1942: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
1 November, 1942: Flying Officer on Probation (war sub)
1 May, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
28 November, 1946: Extended service as Flying Officer
29 November, 1946: Flight Lieutenant
27 July, 1949: Flight Lieutenant, short service (four years on the active list and four years on the reserve)
12 December, 1953: retirement retaining rank of Squadron Leader

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!