Medals to the R.F.C. and R.A.F. from the Collection Formed by the Late Squadron Leader David Haller
Squadron Leader David Haller (1937 - 2009)
Born in October 1937, David Haller was educated at Hymers School, Hull before being awarded a cadetship to the RAF College, Cranwell. He graduated as a pilot in July 1959 when he was commissioned as a pilot officer.
David’s first appointment was to fly Canberra bombers with No. 59 Squadron based at RAF Geilenkirchen in West Germany. The squadron was re-numbered as No.3 before David left in 1963 to train on the Vulcan.
After a tour on No.27 Squadron at RAF Scampton, David was made a flight commander on No. 44 Squadron based at RAF Waddington. His later career was dominated by service with the Bloodhound air-to-surface force, which included commanding a flight of No.85 Squadron. It was whilst serving in MOD in the late 1970s that David first became interested in medal collecting and many lunchtimes were spent visiting the central London dealers and researching in the War Office library. He joined the OMRS (No 1850) and exhibited at the Society’s first Convention.
After retiring from the RAF, David settled near Market Rasen and served as a Tornado simulator officer and also joined an Air Experience Flight flying Air Training Corps cadets until he retired aged 65.
David built up a good collection to the Lincolnshire Regiment before transferring his interest to the RAF where he collected to his former squadrons.
David was a great supporter of the OMRS and probably exhibited more than any other member. Between 1979 and 2006, he missed just one Convention. Three times he was awarded ‘Best of Show’ and he also received six Gold, six Silver and four Bronze awards – probably a unique record.
He had a deep knowledge of the Lincolnshire Regiment and the history of his former squadrons. He enjoyed immensely his hobby and the friendships he made and he enjoyed nothing more than sharing his research and knowledge.