Thomas Frederick Stephenson facts for kids

Sergeant Thomas Frederick Stephenson DCM (1894 – 20 November 1917) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down five or more enemy aircraft in air battles.

A Young Pilot's Journey

Thomas Frederick Stephenson was born in 1894 in Eastfield, Peterborough, England. His parents were George Frederick Stephenson and Annie Georgina.

He joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) on 7 July 1913. The RFC was the air force of the British Army before it became the Royal Air Force. Just after World War I began, he was sent to France on 12 August 1914.

Flying with No. 11 Squadron

By 1917, Stephenson was a sergeant pilot in No. 11 Squadron RFC. He flew a special two-seater plane called a Bristol F.2 Fighter. In this plane, he worked with another airman, Air Mechanic 1st Class Sydney Platel, who was his observer and gunner.

Together, Stephenson and Platel achieved five victories between 23 September and 31 October 1917. All of their victories were against German planes called Albatros D.Vs. On 31 October, after they had destroyed two enemy planes, they were attacked by a German pilot named Oberleutnant Hans Bethge. They survived this attack, but Platel was injured and lost a toe.

Final Mission and Heroism

On 20 November 1917, a major battle called the Battle of Cambrai began. Sergeant Stephenson and his new observer, Lieutenant William Morse, went on a mission to scout over the German lines. Sadly, their aircraft was shot down. It seems they were hit by gunfire from the ground. Stephenson was listed as missing and was believed to have died. Lieutenant Morse survived, though he was wounded, and was captured by the enemy.

Award for Bravery

On 4 March 1918, after his death, Thomas Stephenson was given the Distinguished Conduct Medal. This is a very important award for bravery. His award recognized his amazing courage and skill.

The award said he was attacked by many enemy planes but still fought bravely. He destroyed two enemy planes even after his observer was hurt. His own plane was badly damaged, with a wing almost shot off, but he still managed to land it safely. He was recognized for destroying five enemy machines and showing incredible determination.

Thomas Frederick Stephenson has no known grave. He is remembered at the Arras Flying Services Memorial in France. He is also honored on the Peterborough War Memorial in his hometown.

Thomas Stephenson's Air Victories

Here is a list of the enemy aircraft Sergeant Stephenson helped to shoot down: