Hi Don and Matt,
Thanks for your replies.
I’m fairly sure that this is our chap.
I will attempt to contact Sandy Barrs daughter and request a better picture.
Cheers
Gerry

Cheers gents,
I am pretty sure that they are raf wings but will look into the likelihood of the pilot being Polish.
Andy, that’s a good idea. I will see what google throws up for Air attaches.
Cheers gents
gerry

Thanks all,
I can see a likeness to Alec Cranswick but I don’t think the DSO is on this chaps medal ribbon. Perhaps the portrait was completed before its award.
I think the ribbons are as follows: DFC , 39/45 star, air crew europe and burma star. I can’t make out the bottom ribbon.
i will attempt to get a clearer picture.
Thanks all once again
Gerry

Hi Paul,
Sorry for the delay replying. I have been at work for a few days and haven’t had access to the log book.
He was with 23 squadron not 25.
His first flight with them according to the book was on October 10th 1939. He flew from Wittering to Digby with sergeant Dann in Blenheim MS-B.
cheers
gerry

Hi all,

Many thanks for all of this information which is greatly appreciated.
I have attached a scan of Stevens log book relating to October.
There is a discrepancy relating to the take off times but the flight duration of 90 minutes is correct.

Paul,
I don’t think that Ron Stevens ever received the DFM although he may have been recommended for it.
He isn’t listed in any records as having received it.

Moggy,
re names…..
I recall that Jack Toombs once told me that whilst serving as an air gunner with 236 squadron in 1940 he was crewed up with an wireless operator named Henry Deadman.

They were scrambled to intercept something over the coast and when they arrived at the aircraft the pilot asked them their names.
‘Sergeants Deadman and Toombs Sir’ came the answer followed by a short silence.
‘If you think I’m flying with a Deadman and a Toombs in the back you can both f**k off!!. Its dangerous enough up there without tempting fate!’.

Henry Deadman changed his name to Stewart after the war and I often wondered if that nights events had anything to do with it.

Thanks everyone, your help is much appreciated as always.

Regards
[ATTACH=CONFIG]224179[/ATTACH]Gerry

Cheers Andy and Don,

Many thanks for your replies.

Don, it could be the 23 squadron aircraft that you suggest. I have a copy of a note written by Ron Stevens where he mentions a crash on return to Tangmere on this night. It also mentions returning from a night patrol which ties in nicely with the info you have provided.

cheers once again and all the best for 2014.

Gerry