Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 755

A fine collection of Combat Reports relating to the famous night fighter ace Flight Lieutenant R. P. 'Lone Wolf' Stevens, Royal Air Force, D.S.O., D.F.C. and Bar, who racked up 14 victories in quick succession before being lost in operations in December 1941

The Lot being twelve Combat Reports, ranging from pen and ink on 'Secret Form "F"' type (3), to typed account (3) and typed Form "F" (6), housed in a folder, generally very fine

[D.S.O.] London Gazette 12 December 1941. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

'This officer has shown himself to be a fearless and outstanding night fighter pilot. One night in October, 1941, flying at sea level, he intercepted a Junkers 88 off the East Anglian coast. The raider immediately turned and flew towards the continent at maximum speed but Flight Lieutenant Stevens gave chase and slowly overhauled it. The raider then opened fire with his guns and began to drop his bombs singly. Columns of water were shot up as a result of the explosions but Flight Lieutenant Stevens swerved round them and, closing in to short range, shot down the enemy aircraft at almost sea level. He has destroyed at least 14 hostile aircraft at night.'

[D.F.C.] London Gazette 4 February 1941. The original recommendation states:

'This officer has performed outstanding work on night fighting operations during recent weeks. One night in January, 1941, he shot down two hostile aircraft in the London area. In both these engagements he chased the enemy over 100 miles before destroying them at extremely short range. In one instance he followed the enemy aircraft almost to ground level from 30,000 feet.

He has shown the utmost keenness and determination for operations in all conditions of weather.'

[D.F.C. Second Award Bar] London Gazette 2 May 1941. The original recommendation states:

'This officer has done particularly outstanding work with his squadron on night operations and has on three occasions shot down two enemy aircraft in one night. Pilot Officer Stevens shows a great determination to attack the enemy and is prepared to fly under the most difficult weather conditions. His courage, determination, thoroughness and skill have set an excellent example to his unit.'

Richard Playne Stevens was born on 11 September 1909 at Tunbridge Wells and was educated at Hurstpierpoint. He had a remarkable career in the Second World War and is one of the finest night fighter pilots to have flown with the Royal Air Force. The main reason for his success was a complete disregard for his own safety. He would close to extremely close range before firing and his Hurricane would often return bearing scars of flying wreckage from his victims. He was, according to his colleagues, a solitary and melancholy man. If he was unable to fly he would stalk around the officer's mess, avoiding talking to anyone, before tucking into Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Joining No. 253 Squadron as a Flight Commander, Stevens was a pioneer of the night intruder mission. Having been awarded his D.S.O. on 12 December 1941, he set off again just three days later, never to be seen again. Johnnie Johnson latterly wrote:

'To those who flew with him it seemed as if life was of little account to him, for the risks he took could only have one ending. We have the fondest memories of him.'

Stevens is buried in the Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery, Netherlands. He was painted on two occasions by Eric Kennington.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£450

Starting price
£200