The mounted group of seven miniature dress medals worn by Wing Commander S. A. R. Taylor,...

The mounted group of seven miniature dress medals worn by Wing Commander S. A. R. Taylor, Royal Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar; Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R.; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Radfan, mounted as originally worn, very fine (7) £160-£200 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, March 2022 (when sold alongside the recipient’s full sized awards). 1 of only approximately 20 D.F.C. and Second Award Bar, D.F.M. combinations awarded for the Second World War. D.F.C. London Gazette 23 March 1945. The original Recommendation states: ‘This officer is on his third operational tour, having completed 60 sorties - 49 of which have been in a Marker Crew, being safely concluded in the Path Finder Force. Flight Lieutenant Taylor’s keenness and coolness in facing the enemy has set a high standard of morale in the crew with which he operates, and has helped to a considerable extent in making the crew such a successful one. Never at a loss to overcome difficulties, his steadfastness; determination to give of his best at all times is highly commendable. He possesses courage of a high degree, cheerfulness under all circumstances, and these exceptional qualities have set a high example to the Squadron.’ D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 16 November 1945. The original Recommendation states: ‘This Officer has now completed 79 operational sorties, of which 68 have been with the Path Finder Force, all as Visual Bomb Aimer of a Marker Crew. Of a very cheerful disposition, Flight Lieutenant Taylor has always displayed courage, skill and efficiency and great determination in action, often under the most trying and hazardous conditions. His strong devotion to duty and untiring efforts to give of his best have inspired the utmost confidence amongst the rest of his crew.’ D.F.M. London Gazette 10 December 1943. The official Press Release states: ‘Flight Sergeant Taylor is a Bomb Aimer of a crew which has acquired a fine reputation on many operational missions. He has completed sorties over many heavily defended targets, always displaying outstanding determination and coolness. During a recent attack on Hanover, five runs were made over the target area before Flight Sergeant Taylor was satisfied that he had identified the target. Recently while engaged in operations against Mannheim and Kassel, he again made several runs in the face of heavy opposition to ensure accuracy of aim. His behaviour has been exemplary at all times.’ For a full write-up of the recipient, please see Lot 115 in the Dix Noonan Webb auction of 23 March 2022. Sold with two photographs of recipient in uniform from later life.