Captain William Samuel Stephenson

1. Captain, 73rd Squadron, Royal Flying Corps (Air Force). 1917-08-16 to 1918-07-28.

   Note: Commenced flying training at the RFC Cadet Wing, Denham, Bucks on June 01, 1917.  London Gazzette announced commission on September 11, 1917.  Posted to 73 SQN in France on completion of training.  Shot down at least 12 enemy aircraft, (sources vary).  Was awarded DFC and MC.  Shot down by Justus Grassmann and captured July 28, 1918.  Later escaped from POW Camp.

2. Sergeant, Canadian Engineers, Canadian Engineers (Army). 1916-07-16 to 1917-08-15.

   Note: On arrival at Shorncliffe with the 101st Bn, he was assigned to CETD for training, and to 17th Reserve Battalion for "rations, quarters and discipline".  He remained a corporal, and was not voluntarily reduced in rank, as usually happened on transfer between battalions.  He was assigned on temporary duty to GHQ, London on occasion.  After the first assignment ended, on September 01, 1916, he was promoted to Sergeant, "with pay as clerk".  He did not receive sergeant's pay until March 10, 1917.  His "Statement of Pay Account" on discharge shows his rank as 'private'; while his "Proceedings on Discharge" show it as 'sergeant'.  He was discharged from the CEF on August 15, 1917 at 2CDD, London, "having been appointed to a Commission in the Imperial Army".  Stephenson stated before the Pensions and Claims Board that he had no service in France or Belgium or "in the trenches", and no injuries due to active service.

3. Corporal, 101st Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Army). 1916-01-12 to 1916-07-16.

   Note: Enlisted with 101st Bn the day after his 20th birthday.  Family lore says he tried to convince his cousin, GJ Breckman 721993 to enlist with him.  Breckman refused and they had a serious 'falling out'.  Promoted to Corporal March 03, 1916.  Embarked from Halifax, NS with 101st Bn aboard SS Olympic; landing at Liverpool on July 06.

Military Cross
Description:      "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When flying low and observing an open staff car on a road, he attacked it with such success that later it was seen lying in the ditch upside down. During the same flight he caused a stampede amongst some enemy transport horses on a road. Previous to this he had destroyed a hostile scout and a two-seater plane. His work has been of the highest order, and he has shown the greatest courage and energy in engaging every kind of target."
Date of citation: 1918-06-22
Date of award: 1918-06-22
Source: London Gazette
Notes: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Distinguished Flying Cross
Description:      "This officer has shown conspicuous gallantry and skill in attacking enemy troops and transports from low altitudes, causing heavy casualties. His reports, also, have contained valuable and accurate information. He has further proved himself a keen antagonist in the air, having, during recent operations, accounted for six enemy aeroplanes."

Date of citation: 1918-09-21
Date of award: 1918-09-21
Source: London Gazette
Comment: Reference to six air victories means this award is for actions up to July 16, 1918, (i.e. the date of his sixth victory).
Notes: Winnipeg, Manitoba