The Airmen's Stories - P/O S Stegman

Stefan Stegman was born on October 15th 1910 in Poland. He escaped to England in late 1939 and was commissioned in the RAF in January 1940. After further training and a short spell with 111 Squadron he joined 229 Squadron at Northolt on September 26th 1940.

Above (L toR): P/O S Stegman, F/Lt. JB Holderness, P/O J Poplawski at 229 Squadron.

Above image courtesy of the family of F/Lt. JB Holderness.

He was posted to the newly-formed 316 Squadron at Pembrey on March 22nd 1941.

Tour-expired, Stegman went to 58 OTU, Grangemouth on November 28th 1941, as an instructor. He rejoined 316, then at Heston, on May 15th 1942. He was awarded the KW (gazetted 15th November 1942). Stegman was appointed Flight Commander on March 14th 1943.

Above: 111 Squadron at Drem, September 1940

Rear four: P/O KJ Vykoukal, P/O RJW Brown, F/O JA Walker DFC, P/O JK Kay

Mid five: P/O J Poplawski, P/O R Atkinson, unknown, Sgt. AD Page, P/O S Stegman,

Seated: Sgt. M Kopecky

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He was shot down in combat over the sea near the Belgian coast on June 17th 1943, in Spitfire BR143. His body was washed up on July 3rd and he is buried in Ostende Communal Cemetery.

Stegman was awarded a Bar to the KW (20th October 1943).