Neil Onslow Steele BAYLEY. D.F.C.

Wing Commander, Neil Onslow Steele BAYLEY. D.F.C. Royal Air Force. 26th December 1922 - 20th June 1998.
Not sure what his rank was prior to his commission.
London Gazette dated 8th February 1944.
1604728 Neil Onslow Steel BAYLEY (162968). Dated 23rd December 1943

London Gazette dated 7th November 1944. (D.F.C.)
Acting Flight Lieutenant Neil Onslow Steele BAYLEY(162968), R.A.F.V.R., 158 Sqn. This pilot has attacked many of the enemy's most strongly defended targets. In September, 1944, he was detailed to attack a synthetic oil plant in the head of the Ruhr. In the vicinity of the target the aircraft was subjected to heavy and concentrated anti-aircraft fire. Violent evading action was taken but the aircraft was hit by fragments
of shell in the nose, bomb doors, port aileron and the tailplane; the cowling of the port engine was also struck. In spite of this. Flight
Lieutenant Bayley pressed home his attack, the success of which -was proved by the photograph which he obtained. The coolness and courage displayed by this officer on this occasion are characteristic of that which he has invariably shown throughout his tour.
This memorial plaque is at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire