231042 Cpl. John Edward Taylor Royal Air Force 514 Squadron from:Lee, London I have just discovered why my father, John Edward Taylor, was awarded the B.E.M. I bought Airfields of World War 2 by Jonathan Falconer. On Page 282 a photo showed the Crash Crew of 514 Squadron, with my father in asbestos suit at the centre.
The author, who I emailed, was exceptionally kind and helpful. He sent me the following account taken from The London Gazette, 29th of January 1943.
In October 1942, a four-engined Short Stirling bomber, crashed while attempting to land at RAF Waterbeach. The petrol tanks were ablaze and ammunition was exploding in all directions.
Squadron Leader Charles Lofthouse DFC, led the rescue, accompanied by Aircraftmen John Edward Taylor and Albert Henry Martin. They repeatedly entered the burning fuselage. They continued their efforts for over an hour
removing five crew members, four of whom subsequently died of their injuries.
Squadron Leader Lofthouse and Aircraftmen Taylor (my father) and Martin displayed great energy and a complete disregard for their own safety.
This occurred when Waterbeach was hosting No.1651 HCU.
Squadron Leader Lofthouse DFC received the OBE. Aircraftmen Taylor and Martin each received the BEM (Military Division)
No-one would wish to rejoice after such a tragic accident, but I was delighted to discover, thanks to Jonathan Falconer, that my father who died in 1948 had been and still is - a hero.
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