FLGOFF · 413620

Clifford Alan Murray Taylor

Squadron/s: 453 SQN
Rank On Discharge/Death: Flying Officer (FLGOFF)
Nickname: Cam
Mustering / Specialisation: Pilot
Date of Birth: 20 Mar 1921
Date of Enlistment: 12 Sep 1941
Date of Death: 22 Jul 1992
Contributing Author/s: Edited by Paul Carter

Reviewed by Vince Conant

May 2014

The Spitfire Association

Known to his mates as Cam, due to his initials; was born on the 20th March 1921 in Hurstville NSW.

He joined up on the 12th of September 1941 and after training became a member of 453 Squadron. Cam was a capable pilot, provided over an extended period and with credit, valued support to his Squadron in operations in France and Belgium

Cam, of Gymea NSW, passed away on his final flight on the 22nd of July 1992. His mates from 453 Squadron and family gathered at Woronora Crematorium on the 6th of July for the funeral service of that dear fellow and popular member

Squadron in which Clifford served

453 SQN

Photographs

Pilots of No. 453 Squadron RAAF responding to a scramble order.

RAF Station Matlaske, England. C. 1945-05. Pilots of No. 453 (Spitfire) Squadron RAAF. Left to right: Flying Officer N. R. Adams of Kerang, Vic; Pilot Officer (PO) R. A. York of West Maitland, NSW; PO R. Peters of Armidale, NSW; PO W. Mace of St George, Qld; PO C. A. M. Taylor of Sydney, NSW; PO D. Johns of Ungarie, NSW and PO R. Lyall of Geelong, Vic.

Cam received a severe reprimand for his low-flying stunt but all we can say now is – 'Good one Cam!'

Suffolk, England. 1944-12-29. The Honourable Mr Arthur S. Drakeford (in civilian clothes), Australian Minister for Air, speaking to the pilots of No. 453 (Spitfire) Squadron RAAF, in their crew room at RAF Station Coltishall. Left to right: Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) G. Walker, Squadron Medical Officer; Mr Drakeford; Flying Officer (FO) W. H. Carter, Manly, NSW; Flt Lt K. Giles, Sydney, NSW, Squadron Adjutant; FO R. G. Clemsha; FO A. L. Vargas, RAF Intelligence Officer; Pilot Officer (PO) W. W. Mace; Flight Sergeant J. H. Lynch, Orange, NSW; Warrant Officer (WO) D. C. Johns, Ungarie, NSW; PO R. A. York; PO C. A. M. Taylor; WO J. D. Carmichael.

No. 453 Squadron aircraft at an airfield in Normandy in 1944. Note the invasion stripes painted on the aircraft.

Supermarine Spitfire Mark IXs of No. 453 Squadron RAAF, are started up at Ford, Sussex for a sortie over Normandy. Both aircraft are carrying 44-gallon long-range fuel tanks under the fuselage to extend the their range over the continent. Behind them can be seen a De Havilland Mosquito NF Mark XVII of No. 456 Squadron RAAF, also based at Ford in order to provide night defence over southern England. © IWM (HU 92143)