WW2 Pilot's Grave Rededicated 77 Years After His Death

Wing Commander Yves Gagnon presented the Union Flag to FO Stein’s cousin (Picture: Crown Copyright).

The grave of a Second World War pilot has been rededicated 77 years after his death.

Flying Officer David Stein's grave at a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Brest (Kerfautras) Cemetery in Brittany, France had unknown for many years.

The 26-year-old RAF volunteer reservist was killed on 30 October 1941 while piloting a Westland Whirlwind plane on a low-level ground sortie.

FO Stein was brought down by ground anti-aircraft fire and last seen flying away from the target with one engine on fire.

He was buried alongside other Allied airmen at the CWGC cemetery with his identity being unknown until research conducted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD)'s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre.

The service in Brittany was attended by FO Stein's cousin, Carol Taylor, along with her husband, Stuart Taylor and son, David Taylor.

Wing Commander Yves Gagnon, RAF Exchange Officer French MOD also attended.

FO Stein’s cousin, Carol Taylor said: "Our family know that David’s mother, father and sister would have been very grateful, as are we, that his final resting place has been found, and that so many people have joined us in honouring him."

Steve Arnold, CWGC said:

"[We] are honoured to mark the grave of Flying Officer Stein with a new headstone bearing his name and a personal inscription chosen by his family.

"We will ensure that the graves of David, his brother John and all those who served and fell are cared for in perpetuity."

FO Stein was commissioned as a pilot officer in 1940, before being promoted to flying officer in July the following year when he was posted to No 263 Squadron in Scotland.