The impressive Second World War and post war experimental flying D.F.C. group to Flight...

The impressive Second World War and post war experimental flying D.F.C. group to Flight Lieutenant Denis Graham William Tayler, O.B.E., D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R: O.B.E., breast badge, 2nd type; Distinguished Flying Cross, reverse dated 1944; 1939-45 Star; copy Air Crew Europe Star and France and Germany Bar; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for wearing; the John Derry and Anthony Richards memorial medal, inscribed to D.G. Tayler 1967, in original case; accompanied by thirteen pilot's flying log books, a silk 'escape map', fabric pilot's wings, the warrant for the O.B.E., a large collection of photographs relating the the recipient's post war experimental flying, and much other very good ephemera. Medals good very fine or better.

D.F.C. London Gazette 06/06/44

O.B.E. London Gazette 31/05/56

The recipient was born in Lymington, Hampshire, 19th September 1920 and enlisted as Aircraftman 2nd Class 18th April 1940. By the time his D.F.C. was gazetted he was a Flying Officer serving with No 139 Squadron (then part of the Pathfinder Force), flying mosquitos on raids over Germany. He took part in the celebrated 'last raid of the war' on Kiel, 2nd May 1945. Following the war he continued his aviation career as a test pilot, flying in a huge variety of aircraft. Of particular note are photographs of Tayler with the prototype Shorts Belfast, which he piloted for its 55 minute maiden voyage on the 5th January 1964.