Maurice Michael Stephens facts for kids

Maurice Michael Stephens (born October 20, 1919 – died September 23, 2004) was a very brave pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy aircraft. Maurice Stephens was officially credited with destroying 17 enemy planes, sharing credit for three more, and possibly destroying one, plus damaging five others.

Early Life and Training

Maurice Stephens was born in Ranchi, India, on October 20, 1919. His father was an officer in the British Army. Maurice went to school at Xaverian Colleges in England.

After school, he first worked for the Port of London Authority. But soon, in 1938, he joined the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. This was a special school for pilots. At Cranwell, Maurice was very good at sports like boxing and rowing. He earned his pilot's wings in 1940, meaning he was ready to fly for the RAF.

Fighting in World War II

Maurice Stephens' first job as a pilot was with No. 3 Squadron RAF. He flew during the Battle of France in 1940. Even though he was still a young pilot, he became a "Flight Commander." This meant he led a group of planes.

After returning from France, he received two important awards at the same time: the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and a Bar to the DFC. These awards were given for his bravery and skill. He had shot down four enemy planes in May 1940 and led his flight with great courage. He then shot down four more, bringing his total to eight.

Battle of Britain Hero

After the Battle of France, Maurice's flight became part of a new group called No. 232 Squadron RAF. He became the Commanding Officer of this squadron. They were a key part of No. 13 Group RAF during the Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle where the RAF defended Britain from German attacks. Maurice was promoted to Flying Officer in the middle of this important battle.

Adventures in North Africa

Maurice Stephens later served in North Africa. He joined No. 274 Squadron. For eight months, he was sent to Turkey. There, he flew patrols along the border with Bulgaria. He even shot down two Italian spy planes that crossed the border. He did this while flying a Turkish Hurricane plane and wearing regular clothes!

In November 1941, he went back to the Western Desert to lead No. 80 Squadron. In December 1941, he was shot down and hurt his feet. Even though he was injured and his plane was on fire, he managed to shoot down another enemy plane before parachuting out. He landed close to enemy lines but bravely made it back to his own side. For this incredible bravery, he received the Distinguished Service Order in January 1942.

Defending Malta

In October 1942, Maurice joined No. 229 Squadron RAF on Malta. He flew Spitfire planes. Malta was under a very heavy attack, known as the Siege of Malta. On October 12, he was shot down again. Luckily, an air-sea rescue boat picked him up. In November, he became the Wing Commander (flying) at RAF Hal Far airfield. This meant he was in charge of all the flying operations at that base.

He returned to the UK in 1943. He worked in different staff jobs and became the Chief Flying Instructor at a training unit in January 1944. By the end of the war, Maurice Stephens had destroyed 15 enemy planes, shared credit for 3 more, and damaged 5 others.

Life After the War

Maurice Stephens continued to serve in the RAF until 1960. After World War II, he was one of the first RAF officers to join the newly formed NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). He also worked at the Air Ministry, helping with fighter plane operations.

After leaving the RAF, he joined the Rolls-Royce company. He lived in Paris, France, for a while. He retired in 1980 and stayed in the south of France until 1992, when he moved back to Britain.

In 1942, Maurice married Violet May Paterson, who everyone called "Blue." They had a son and a daughter.