John Tayleur (RAF Pilot)

[sml24]

Hello.

         I am trying to find out details on an RAF pilot known as J L Tayleur he flew one of the first Spitfires off HMS Eagle in 1942 to Malta. He was known by the nickname Junior whilst there. He was sent back to England later in the year having been wounded in the eyes by splinters from the canopy of his Spitfire after it was hit by a German Fighter. Having recovered he was an instructor at 52 Operational Training Unit then sent overseas again later
         He may possibly be John Lovett Tayleur born in India in 1923.
         Be pleased to hear from anyone who knows any more details.
         Paul

[gortonboy]

    John Lovett Tayleur RAF service number  125738

[sml24]

Hello
            Thanks for that, checking on the London Gazette brings up several enteries for him, still not sure that he is the Tayleur I am after, although unable to find another for the right time period.
            Need to try and locate a Tayleur that may have him on their family tree.

            Cheers
            Paul

         Ps. Thanks to Malta Aviation Museum for photo.

[DeeBoneham]

Paul
Are you a relative? Have you applied for his service record if so as that will tell you some bits too...
Dee

[ScouseBoy]

I have read a book written by a former pilot on the Malta  battle at that period.  If my memory serves me correctly, I think he was a RN  air service pilot.  If you do a search for books on Amazon   or google on Malta;  Fleet air arm;  HMS Eagle;    Air defence of Malta.

Also,  was HMS Ark Royal sunk in the same supply convoy  as Eagle.  I will search for my own books  and see if I can tell you the titles.

[ScouseBoy]

Following on from that. are you sure your man was RAF   and NOT   RN Fleet air arm  ( or whatever it was called circa 1942)

[sml24]

Hello

           I have several books on the Malta Airwar so I am aware of his time there. i am not a relative but I believe you can still apply for records and recieve some details.
           Digging a bit further there is a John L Tayleur who was born in India in 1923, married in 1951 and died in 1956 age only 33, info on London gazette shows he was in the RAF up to at least 1953, so could be from an air accident.
           I am trying to find out if this is the John L Tayleur that went to Malta, i guess the only thing to do will be to apply for the records and hope it is the right guy.
          thanks for your interest
          paul

[ScouseBoy]

I have found my copy of    "Band of Eagles"  by Frank Barnard.

Other books  on the Malta  subject include  "Malta Spitfire"    by George Beurling  and Leslie Roberts.  Other titles  if you need any more?

[DeeBoneham]

Check with the guys on rafcommands forum for accidents. They seem to find details most can't. Kyt is worth asking on here tho he's more bomber oriented like me...
Dee