Flight Lieutenant Steve Stevens DFC AE* RAF – 57 Sqn

[Tony Gunby]

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Flight Lieutenant Steve Stevens.  A stalwart of the Association, Stevie and his late wife Maud (known by many as Maureen) enlivened many Association Reunions and Dining-In Nights with their good humour.

Steve and Maud celebrate their 70th Wedding Anniversary in 2013

Steve served as a Lancaster pilot with 57 Squadron, and was awarded the DFC for outstanding bravery.  Like all his contemporaries he never boasted about his exploits, but simply felt that he did his duty.  When interviewed for the RAF100 Heroes event last year, Steve said: “The world we did our bit to bring about is, for all its problems, an infinitely better place than the world subjected to Nazi tyranny.  That is Bomber Command’s legacy to the young men and women of today, and its true memorial.  They laid down their lives so that you could live yours in peace and freedom.”

Steve pictured during his flying training

Because of the current Covid-19 restrictions, Steve’s funeral will be a private family affair, but it is hoped that a Memorial Service may be held for him later this year.  Details will be published on the Association website when they are known.

[Tony Gunby]

Thanks Tony for letting us  know the passing of Flight Lieutenant Steve Stevens. A sad message. It is so hard to see the remaining original crew members of 57 Squadron leave us.   Steve was a wonderful individual and I was honored to be able to sit and chat to him several times. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was able to tell me about the lifestyles that he and other crew members like my father spent during those wartime days.

My condolences to his family, and know that he was well loved by the members of the Association. He will live on in our memories!

Roger Bayford.  Indiana , USA

Son of Sergeant Cyril Bayford 57 Squadron,

Lost November 11, 1944

 

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