Three: Pilot Officer W. R. Stephens, Royal Canadian Air Force, killed in a flying accident whilst piloting a Lysander at No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School, Mossbank, Saskatchewan, 24 January 1944

Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver; Canadian Memorial Cross, G.VI.R. (P.O. W. R. Stephens J27462) with identity bracelet in sterling silver, obverse engraved ‘R-166510 W. R. Stephens C. of E.’, and reverse engraved ‘From Dad Dec. 1942’, generally very fine (lot) £120-£160

William Russell Stephens was born in Vernon, British Columbia in March 1922, and was the son of Mr and Mrs L. R. Stephens of Kelowna, British Columbia. Stephens served as a Staff Pilot at No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School, Mossbank, Saskatchewan. His aircraft collided with a Bolingbroke aircraft whilst making a turn at the west end of Lake Johnston, carrying out a routine gunnery exercise, 24 January 1944. Pilot Officer Stephens, and crew, were killed as a result of the crash, and he is buried in the Kelownia Memorial Park Cemetery, British Columbia.

Sold with copied service papers.