Studio portrait of 36134 Officer Cadet George Richard Taylor RAAF. George Taylor completed his ...

Studio portrait of 36134 Officer Cadet George Richard Taylor RAAF. George Taylor completed his initial flying training as an Air Cadet at Point Cook, Vic, graduating in December 1937; he was discharged from the RAAF early in 1938 and appointed soon afterwards to the RAF. While holding the rank of Flying Officer he took part in the first night bombing raid on Berlin on the night of 25/26 August 1940; he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on 13 September 1940. The citation states that he had 'completed 32 successful operational flights as captain of aircraft' and had several times found his target 'regardless of adverse weather conditions and severe enemy opposition'. The citation also praises 'his devotion to duty and his determination in pressing home his attacks', and mentions his courage, reliability and excellent example. Appointed Acting Squadron Leader in June 1941 while flying with 207 Squadron, George Taylor was killed in action on 13 August 1941 when his aircraft was shot down during a bombing raid on Berlin. He is commemorated at the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Charlottenburg, Germany.