Stevenson, Edmond 'Mac'

Edmond MacLeod 'Mac' Stevenson

452 Squadron, RAAF

Flight Sergeant, number 432589

Mac Stevenson - place and date unknown - however judging from the bush it looks like North Australia.

"After 'Mac's' disappearance a rescue mission was flown by a Catalina (with John Byrne on board) supported by two Beaufighters.  When it was found that "Mac" was a prisoner, the Australian Army arranged a commando raid on the prison.  In this raid a spitfire was very severely shot up but made it back to base.  Unfortunately "Mac" had already been moved on from prison."

By Barrie Stevenson, Eastwood NSW 2122

We received a letter from Jim Grant, the Spitfire Association's historian.

"At the last 'bash' of the 457 Originals, we were asked if anyone knew 'Mac' Stevenson of 452 Squadron who died on April 14 1945 while on active service.  The name of E MacStevenson is listed on the No 452 Squadron Honour Roll at the War Memorial in Canberra.

"Odgers in the AIR WAR AGAINST JAPAN 1943-45 writes, inter-alia:

On 1 January Group Captain Caldwell led twelve Spitfires of No 452 Squadron in the strafing attack on targets on the north-western tip of Halmahera.

On the same day four other Spitfires, taking off in the afternoon for an intruder patrol over Halmahera, strafed huts and a barge.  F/Sgt Stevenson who was flying as No 2 to W/O Byrne disappeared over Ternate Island.  Byrne saw the aircraft off-shore in shallow water with its tail visible but the pilot missing.  Natives later supplied information on Stevenson's fate.  He was taken prisoner to Forte Orange in Ternate town where he was put under guard.  Stevenson died later while a prisoner.

A footnote says:- F/Sgt Edmond McLeod Stevenson, 432589; 452 Squadron, Bank Clerk of Dubbo NSW; b. Dubbo 7 Nov 1924 died while prisoner of war 14 Apr 1945.

If any member(s) or readers could provide first-hand information for Mac's family, David Nesbitt, 17 Jugiong St, West Pymble 2073 (phone 02 44-6658) would appreciate hearing from you."

- Edited by Julie Halliday