Joseph Robert "Joe" Kayll

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Acting S/L Joseph Robert KAYLL, D.F.C. (90276) – Distinguished Service Order –
London Gazette #34860, 28 May 1940

Owing to his inspiring training and leadership, this officer's squadron has destroyed 32 enemy aircraft. The squadron responded to every call made and, in particular, made several important and dangerous reconnaissances for the Army. Squadron Leader Kayll combined flying leadership and administration in an exemplary manner throughout, and destroyed five enemy aircraft, bringing his total to nine

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P/O Peter Dixon of 607 Squadron & S/L Joe Kayll of 615 Squadron

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W/C Joseph Robert KAYLL, D.S.O., D.F.C. (90276), Auxiliary Air Force, No. 54 Squadron
- Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – Gazette #37666, 23 July 1946

Wing Commander Kayll was shot down near St. Omer in July 1941 and captured immediately. He became S.B.O. at Oflag IX A/H until moved to Warburg in October 1941. In September 1942, Wing Commander Kayll escaped in a mass break out and, with a companion, walked south for seven days, covering 90 Km. before being recaptured by a forester, south of Fulda. He was transferred to Stalag Luft III (Sagan) in May 1943, and was in charge of the Escape Committee for the East Compound. Escape activities involved a very high proportion of the camp, and its direction was both arduous and dangerous, but Wing Commander Kayll was unsparing in his efforts to carry out this work. He also organized the whole of the security and intelligence section.

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Joe Kayll being taken prisoner

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While leading the Hornchurch Wing in July 1941, Kayll was shot down and taken prisoner by the Germans. He was held at Oflag XXIB, Sagan & Stalag luft III and ended up doing some time with Niel Livingstone-Bussel (Major, Parachute reg. & Direct descendant of Dr. David Livingstone [Africa] - that's him on the right ;^) What they coudn't know then was that two of their children would marry and one of the products of that marrage would be Pete Kayll. Pete emailed me these pix from his laptop in Bagdad and plans to send more info on Joe when he can... might be a while ...

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I have found no info on his DFC

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--- English Aces ---

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