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Many Association Members had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Flight Lieutenant Steve Stevens. Prior to his death in 2020, Stevie was working on his memoirs with his son Adrian.
Adrian and the renowned aviation author Jonny Cracknell have now completed the book and it has been published by WingLeader Aviation Books. Copies can be ordered online from the publishers via; https://www.wingleader.co.uk/shop/tomorrow-may-never-come, or can be ordered via the publisher’s telephone number; 0116 340 1085.
WingLeader Aviation have done a fantastic job producing the book, which is illustrated throughout by the photos and documents Stevie kept throughout his life.
As WingLeader Aviation say so accurately,
“This is the remarkable story of Lancaster pilot Sidney ‘Stevie’ Stevens DFC AE*. After serving as an ARP Controller in London and witnessing his family home obliterated by German bombing during the Blitz, he vowed to become a Bomber Pilot, joined the RAFVR in April 1941, and completed his initial pilot’s training at Carlisle.
In January 1942, Stevie was posted to America, and did his advanced flying training in California near Hollywood, rubbing shoulders with film stars. After gaining his Wings, he returned to the UK and learned to fly Lancasters. In May 1943 he was posted to 57 Squadron at RAF Scampton, in time to watch the Dambusters take-off on their historic mission.
By the end of October 1943, when the survival rate among Bomber Command aircrew was one in five, Stevie had completed a full tour of Operations as the captain of a Lancaster, been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and met his future wife, WAAF Corporal Maureen Miller, who talked down Guy Gibson and his pilots from the control tower at Scampton on their return from the Dams raid.
In 1947, after nearly four hazardous and eventful years instructing on Wellington bombers, Stevie left the RAF, settling in Norwich with Maureen and their son Adrian. He became an innovative and much-loved Maths teacher. When he and Maureen passed away after 74 years of marriage, they were both given lengthy obituaries in The Times.
This book has been a labour of love for all concerned and is designed and printed to the highest standards using full colour throughout. We only have 350 copies available via this website so don’t miss out on this unique collector’s item.”
On Monday 30 August 2021 at 1400 hours, a special event will be held at ex-RAF East Kirkby (the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre) to launch the book. Adrian, Jonny and many of Stevie’s friends will be at the book launch to remember this remarkable man – all Association Members are welcome to join the event
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