Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A mounted group of eight miniature dress medals representative of those worn by Group Captain J. B. Tait, Royal Air Force

Distinguished Service Order, E.II.R. [sic], with Second, Third, and Fourth Award Bars, gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; Distinguished Flying Cross, E.II.R. [sic], with Second Award Bar; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Coronation 1953, mounted court-style, with Spink, St. James’s, London label to reverse, and housed in a Spink card box; together with an Auxiliary Air Force lapel badge, silver, the reverse numbered ‘1556’, the miniatures all of recent manufacture, otherwise extremely fine (8) £200-£300

D.S.O. London Gazette 18 April 1941.

D.S.O. Second Award Bar London Gazette 25 July 1941:
‘In June 1941, this officer was the captain of the leading aircraft of a formation of three aircraft which carried out an attack on Kiel in clear daylight. Despite accurate anti-aircraft fire, bombs were dropped and observed to burst on the objective. The success which attended this operation was largely due to the magnificent leadership and courage together with the brilliant airmanship displayed by this officer.’

D.S.O. Third Award Bar London Gazette 22 September 1944:
‘Since he was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order this officer has completed many sorties against targets in enemy-occupied territory and Germany. On several occasions Wing Commander Tait has remained in the immediate vicinity of the target area, often in the face of heavy opposition, for a considerable time. His excellent leadership, gallantry and untiring devotion to duty have contributed materially to the successes achieved by the squadron he commands.’

D.S.O. Fourth Award Bar London Gazette 9 January 1945:
‘This officer has displayed conspicuous bravery and extreme devotion to duty in the face of the enemy, constantly exemplified over a long period of operational flying. He has completed a very-large number of sorties, many of them against most dangerous and difficult targets and the successes obtained are a magnificent tribute to his brilliant leadership and unsurpassed skill. On 3 occasions, Wing Commander Tait has led attacks on the German battleship Tirpitz. The last occasion was on 12th November, 1944. The vessel was lying at Tromso. Visibility was good as Wing Commander Tait led his squadron in to the attack. In spite of continuous fire from 3 ships and from land batteries, the attack was pressed home. The first bomb, dropped by Wing Commander Tait, hit the Tirpitz. Another hit was obtained almost immediately and another 12,000 Ib bomb fell close alongside. The battleship caught fire and smoke poured from her. Finally, she capsized. By his outstanding skill and leadership, Wing Commander Tait played a prominent part in the success of the operation. This officer has completed 98 sorties and throughout has set an example of a high order.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 22 October 1940.

D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 5 December 1944:
‘Recently, this officer led a formation of aircraft in an attack on the sluice gates of the Kembs Barrage. When nearing the target considerable light anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Nevertheless Wing Commander Tait led his formation into the attack with his usual skill and determination. Although his aircraft was hit and sustained damage, Wing Commander Tait pressed home his attack with precision. Some time previously this officer flew with great distinction in a successful attack on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. He displayed the highest standard of devotion to duty in both attacks on dangerous and difficult targets.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 25 September 1941.

James Brian ‘Willie’ Tait was born in Manchester on 9 December 1916 and was educated at Wellingborough School and R.A.F. College Cranwell. He was commissioned Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force on 1 August 1936, and served during the Second World War, succeeding Leonard Cheshire as the Commanding Officer of 617 (Dambusters) Squadron. He conducted 101 bombing missions during the War, including the one that finally sunk the German battleship Tirpitz. Remaining in the R.A.F. post-War, he was advanced Group Captain in 1953, and was appointed an Aide-de-Camp to H.M. The Queen in 1959. He retired from the R.A.F. in 1964, and died on 31 August 2007.

With six gallant decoration to his name Tait is one of the most decorated airmen in the history of the Royal Air Force, and was the only airman to receive four D.S.O.s during the Second World War.