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James Stephens
Bank: National Provincial Bank
Place of work: London Lancaster Gate branch
Died: 22 November 1943
James Stephens was born in Brussels on 1 October 1920, the son of James Stephens and his wife. James senior was a banker, working for Lloyds & National Provincial Foreign Bank in branches in continental Europe. James junior was educated at the College de Cannes, possibly while his father was manager of the bank’s branch in nearby Nice. The father later transferred to work in National Provincial Bank’s London-based Overseas branch, and James finished his education at Caterham School, Surrey, before joining the staff of his father’s bank in 1939. He worked first at Staines branch, and later transferred to London Lancaster Gate.
In May 1941 James left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He obtained his wings and became a fighter pilot. He was posted to India Command in June 1943. Flight Sergeant Stephens was killed on 22 November 1943 when the Hurricane he was piloting during a training flight collided with another aircraft and crashed into the sea near Covelong, Chennai, India. He was 23 years old.
After his death, his squadron leader wrote 'He was a most popular person in the squadron, deeply liked by his fellow-pilots and was most conscientious in the performance of his duties, both in the air and on the ground. I had great confidence in his ultimate success in the Royal Air Force. He represented all the best of today's Young England and he will be sorely missed by all.'
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Message of remembrance
Neil Henery January 17 2024 1:14PM
James Stephens is my uncle, but someone I never had the chance to meet in person as he tragically lost his life during WW2. However, I feel as if I know him through the numerous letters he sent back to his family while he was in the R.A.F. They provide a fascinating account of his life during the war and they shed light on his friendships and family as well as his early childhood spent in the South of France when his father was bank manager for Lloyd's Bank in Nice. Jimmy, as he was known, was a skilled photographer so our family has pictorial evidence of his prowess as a diver and skier. My mother typed up all of Jimmy's war letters and the originals are now stored safely at the Imperial War Museum in London. My mother, Kathie Henery, Jimmy's younger sister, has passed down to her family lots of recollections of her beloved brother. We are all proud of the incredible sacrifice he made by serving in the R.A.F and fighting for his country.
Neil Henery