GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY
Top left: Investiture Day; top right: Malta C.O.;
bottom right: the much decorated Stephens brothers - Jack won a D.F.C. and Bar with Bomber Command; bottom left: Stephens inspecting serious damage to his aircraft following a sortie on 1 December 1941
In respect of gallantry awards won by aircrew in the 1939-45 War, just 15 men were awarded the combination of a D.S.O. and three D.F.Cs.
D.S.O. London Gazette 20 January 1942. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:
‘On 9 December 1941, this officer led a bombing and machine-gun attack on enemy mechanised transports in the Acroma area. Following the attack, Squadron Leader Stephens observed the fighter escort in combat with a force of enemy fighters, but, whilst attempting to participate in the engagement, his aircraft was severely damaged by an enemy fighter pilot whose cannon fire exploded the starboard petrol tank which, with the oil tank, burst into flames. The same burst of fire wounded Squadron Leader Stephens in both feet and blew out the starboard side of the aircraft’s cockpit. Squadron Leader Stephens then prepared to abandon aircraft but, when half-way out of the cockpit, he observed an enemy aircraft fly past him. He immediately regained his seat and shot down the enemy aircraft. Squadron Leader Stephens finally left his crippled aircraft by parachute and landed safely on the ground where he beat out the flames from his burning clothing. Although he had landed within 300 yards of the enemy’s lines, Squadron Leader Stephens succeeded in regaining our own territory within three quarters of an hour. Throughout, this officer displayed great courage and devotion to duty. Previously, Squadron Leader Stephens led his squadron on operations which were of the greatest value during the battle for Tobruk. His leadership and example proved an inspiration.’
D.F.C. London Gazette 31 May 1940. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:
‘This officer accounted for four enemy aircraft between 10 May and 13 May and led his Flight with courage and skill. I recommend him for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’ Bar to D.F.C. London Gazette 31 May 1940. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:
‘Pilot Officer Stephens continued to lead his Flight against enemy formations much superior in number with such good leadership that he rarely lost any members of his formation. In addition he himself accounted for a further four enemy aircraft, making a total of eight victories to his credit. I recommend him for the immediate award of a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross.’
Second Bar to D.F.C. London Gazette 3 November 1942. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:
‘On 15 October 1942, whilst leading his squadron, he attacked enemy bombers head on and in spite of the presence of a large number of enemy fighters followed one bomber down to sea-level and chased it 20 miles out to sea before finally shooting it down in flames. He was then attacked by six enemy fighters but with great resolution fought his way back to base, destroying one of the Me. 109s during the engagement. In spite of his aircraft being badly shot up, he reached base and crash-landed.
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