28 Facts About Harbourne Stephen

Harbourne Stephen was credited with the sole destruction of at least nine aircraft of the Axis powers.

Harbourne Stephen flew extensively during the evacuation from Dunkirk and then the Battle of Britain, during which he destroyed at least four German aircraft.

Harbourne Stephen was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during the Battle of Britain and at the end of 1940 was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Harbourne Stephen was initially educated privately, by a governess, but then went to schools in Edinburgh and later at Shrewsbury School in Shropshire.

Harbourne Stephen finished his schooling when he was 15-years-old and soon afterwards went to London to work in the newspaper industry.

Harbourne Stephen initially worked as a copy boy for Allied Newspapers but in 1936 began working in advertising for the Evening Standard.

Harbourne Stephen's course finished just on the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939.

Harbourne Stephen was then posted to No 605 Squadron, at the time based at Tangmere, as a sergeant pilot.

Harbourne Stephen's new posting was based at Hornchurch and he flew extensively during the evacuation from Dunkirk.

Harbourne Stephen claimed two Bf 109s and two Bf 110s but these were unable to be verified.

Since May, 1940, Pilot Officer Harbourne Stephen has flown continuously with his squadron on offensive patrols, and taken part in numerous engagements against the enemy throughout the Dunkirk operations.

Harbourne Stephen has been engaged protecting shipping in the Channel and has taken part in intensive air operations over the Kentish coast.

Harbourne Stephen has now destroyed a total of twelve enemy aircraft and has always displayed great coolness and determination in pressing home his attacks against the enemy.

Pilot Officer Harbourne Stephen fought four Messerschmitt 109s at 29,000 feet, causing the tail of one to break off, and destroying a second.

Harbourne Stephen has destroyed at least 13 enemy aircraft, and his courage and skill as a fighter pilot have been a great incentive to other pilots in his squadron.

One day in November, 1940, Pilot Officer Harbourne Stephen led a section of his squadron in an attack against, an escorted formation of enemy bombers, three of which he destroyed.

In early 1942, following the entry of the Empire of Japan into the war, Harbourne Stephen was posted to the Far East.

Harbourne Stephen served as a wing leader at Dum Dum, in Calcutta, and later at Jessore.

Harbourne Stephen was then given command of No 166 Wing, operating from Chittagong in the Burma campaign.

Harbourne Stephen had been credited with nine aerial victories plus eight more shared with other pilots.

Harbourne Stephen claimed four more aerial victories as destroyed, but these were unconfirmed.

Harbourne Stephen was credited with three German aircraft probably destroyed, and seven more damaged.

Harbourne Stephen took up a managerial role at the Scottish Daily Express, the Scottish Sunday Express and the Evening Citizen, based in Glasgow.

Harbourne Stephen resumed a part-time career with the RAFVR when in September 1950, he received an emergency commission as wing commander for appointment to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force to command No 602 Squadron.

In 1956, Harbourne Stephen became the general manager of the Sunday Express and the Sunday Graphic, both part of Lord Beaverbrook's newspaper publishing empire.

Interested in charitable work, Harbourne Stephen helped to found the Raleigh International charity, which provided young people with the opportunity to become involved in environmental and community works.

Harbourne Stephen was on the Council of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Scientific Exploration Society.

Harbourne Stephen died in London on 20 August 2001, survived by his wife Erica and two children.