Background
When Eric John Stephens joined the Australian Imperial Force on 19 July 1915, he named his father, John Thomas Stephens, as next of kin.
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Eric Stephens
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Career
He was credited with 13 confirmed aerial victories. He later became a Qantas pilot. The younger Stephens was a college student and was in the militia when he joined.
Stephens" service prior to his joining the Royal Flying Corps is unknown.
He was commissioned in the Reconstruction Finance Corporation on 13 April 1917. He became a pilot on 30 June.
He was retained as a flying instructor until his transfer to 41 Squadron on 16 March 1918. Using a Royal Aircraft Factory Southeast.5a, he shot down a Rumpler on 28 June for his first victory.
He shared it with Frederick McCall.
Stephens would accumulate 12 more wins after this, all solo, and most over enemy fighters, with the final one falling on 1 November 1918. By war"s end, he was a Flight Commander, had destroyed five enemy airplanes, and driven down eight more out of control. He was transferred to the Royal Air Force"s unemployed list on 16 August 1919.
He went on to fly for Qantas in the 1930s.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
January 25, 1967 (aged 71)