# Gray Stenborg

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New Zealand flying ace in WWII

Gray Stenborg Born (1921-10-13)13 October 1921 Auckland, New Zealand Died 24 September 1943(1943-09-24) (aged 21) near Beauvais, France Buried Marissel French National Cemetery, Beauvais, France Allegiance New Zealand Branch Royal New Zealand Air Force Service years 1940–1943 † Rank Flight Lieutenant Unit No. 91 Squadron No. 185 Squadron No. 111 Squadron Conflicts Second World War Circus offensive Battle of Malta Awards Distinguished Flying Cross

**Gray Stenborg** [DFC](/source/Distinguished_Flying_Cross_(United_Kingdom)) (13 October 1921 – 24 September 1943) was a New Zealand [flying ace](/source/Flying_ace) of the [Royal New Zealand Air Force](/source/Royal_New_Zealand_Air_Force) (RNZAF) during the [Second World War](/source/Second_World_War). He is credited with having shot down fifteen aircraft.

Born in [Auckland](/source/Auckland), Stenborg joined the RNZAF in July 1940. After receiving flight training in New Zealand and Canada, he was sent to England to serve with the [Royal Air Force](/source/Royal_Air_Force). His first operational posting was to [No. 485 Squadron](/source/No._485_Squadron_RNZAF) and he later flew with [No. 111 Squadron](/source/No._111_Squadron_RAF). During his time with the latter, he destroyed four German aircraft. In June 1942, he was sent to [Malta](/source/Malta) as a reinforcement pilot, flying a [Supermarine Spitfire](/source/Supermarine_Spitfire) off the flight deck of [HMS *Eagle*](/source/HMS_Eagle_(1918)) to the island where he joined [No. 185 Squadron](/source/No._185_Squadron_RAF). He destroyed several aircraft during his time on Malta, returning to the United Kingdom in late August 1942. After a period of time as an instructor, he was posted to [No. 91 Squadron](/source/No._91_Squadron_RAF). Stenborg was killed on 24 September 1943 during a mission escorting bombers to France.

## Early life

Gray Stenborg was born in [Auckland](/source/Auckland) on 13 October 1921, the only son of Gunnar Stenborg, a Swedish emigrant to New Zealand, and his wife Ruby ([née](/source/Birth_name#Maiden_and_married_names) Moore).[1][2] The family lived in the Auckland suburb of [Parnell](/source/Parnell%2C_New_Zealand) and Stenborg was educated at [King's College](/source/King's_College%2C_Auckland), where he played in the school's [first XI](/source/First_XI) [cricket](/source/Cricket) team. He was also active in rowing and yachting.[3]

## Second World War

In July 1940, Stenborg joined the [Royal New Zealand Air Force](/source/Royal_New_Zealand_Air_Force) and underwent initial training at [Whenuapai](/source/Whenuapai) as an aircrafthand on [Blackburn Baffin](/source/Blackburn_Baffin) and [Vickers Vildebeest](/source/Vickers_Vildebeest) aircraft. Despite periods of sickness, by the end of the year he was an [airman pilot](/source/Airman) and went on to [No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=No._4_Elementary_Flying_Training_School_RNZAF&action=edit&redlink=1) in February 1941. Two months later, he proceeded to Canada for further flight training at No. 32 Service Flying Training School. He gained his [wings](/source/Aircrew_brevet) and was promoted to [sergeant](/source/Sergeant) in August. Shortly afterwards he was dispatched to England to serve with the [Royal Air Force](/source/Royal_Air_Force) (RAF).[4]

### United Kingdom

Stenborg standing in front of a [North American Harvard](/source/North_American_T-6_Texan) [trainer](/source/Trainer_aircraft) during his time in Canada, 1941

On arrival in the United Kingdom in September, Stenborg went to [No. 58 Operational Training Unit](/source/List_of_Royal_Air_Force_Operational_Training_Units) (OTU) at [Grangemouth](/source/RAF_Grangemouth), for familiarisation on the [Supermarine Spitfire](/source/Supermarine_Spitfire) [fighter](/source/Fighter_aircraft). In December he was posted to [No. 485 Squadron](/source/No._485_Squadron_RNZAF).[2] With mostly New Zealand flying personnel and equipped with Spitfires, this was based at [Kenley](/source/RAF_Kenley) and engaged in the RAF's [Circus offensive](/source/Circus_offensive), which involved operations to German-occupied Europe intended to engage and wear down the [Luftwaffe](/source/Luftwaffe) fighter presence there.[5][6] Stenborg only flew on three operations before being transferred to [No. 111 Squadron](/source/No._111_Squadron_RAF) in January 1942.[2] Like his previous unit, the squadron was engaged in the Circus offensive, flying Spitfires from [Debden](/source/RAF_Debden).[7] Stenborg claimed his first aerial victory on 26 April, shooting down a [Focke-Wulf Fw 190](/source/Focke-Wulf_Fw_190) fighter near [St. Omer](/source/Saint-Omer). He destroyed a Fw 190 in the same area the next day and then on 30 April shot down another two Fw 190s, near [Andres](/source/Andres%2C_Pas-de-Calais) and [Abbeville](/source/Abbeville) respectively.[8]

### Malta

In early June 1942, Stenborg, now a [pilot officer](/source/Pilot_officer), was sent to [Malta](/source/Malta), sailing aboard the aircraft carrier [HMS *Eagle*](/source/HMS_Eagle_(1918)) as a reinforcement for the squadrons operating from the island, which was [besieged](/source/Siege_of_Malta_(World_War_II)) by the Luftwaffe and *[Regia Aeronautica](/source/Regia_Aeronautica)* (Royal Italian Air Force). He flew a Spitfire off the flight deck of *Eagle* early in the morning of 9 June and on arrival at Malta was assigned to [No. 185 Squadron](/source/No._185_Squadron_RAF) at [Hal Far](/source/RAF_Hal_Far).[9][10] Stenborg was one of four pilots of the squadron who were scrambled in the evening of 15 June to deal with a bombing raid on a convoy approaching Malta from the southwest. On reaching the convoy, which was about 48 kilometres (30 mi) from [Gozo](/source/Gozo), he damaged two [Junkers Ju 88](/source/Junkers_Ju_88) [medium bombers](/source/Medium_bomber) and destroyed an escorting [Messerschmitt Bf 109](/source/Messerschmitt_Bf_109) fighter.[8][11] He shot down two Bf 109s on 5 July; they were part of a group of between 15 and 20 fighters escorting Ju 88s making a bombing raid on Malta.[8][12] Another two Bf 109s were destroyed by Stenborg on 9 July, when he was part of a group of 30 Spitfires that intercepted six Ju 88s and escorting fighters raiding [Takali](/source/Ta'_Qali).[8][13] For his exploits during the early part of the month, he was awarded the [Distinguished Flying Cross](/source/Distinguished_Flying_Cross_(United_Kingdom)) (DFC).[14] The citation, published on 28 July in the *[London Gazette](/source/London_Gazette)*, read:

Pilot Officer Stenborg has displayed great determination and keenness to engage the enemy. One day in July, 1942, he encountered a superior force of enemy fighters which were acting as escort to bombers. Pilot Officer Stenborg attacked the enemy fighters, destroying two of them, and dispersed the remainder, thus enabling other Royal Air Force fighters to attack the bombers. A few days later he completed a similar operation and again shot down two enemy fighters. Pilot Officer Stenborg has now destroyed eight enemy aircraft.

— *London Gazette*, No. 35646, 28 July 1942[15]

On the last day of July, while carrying out an air test on a Spitfire, Stenborg encountered three Bf 109s. Having the benefit of height he surprised the trio, destroying one of them.[8][16] On 17 August, while leading a flight of four Spitfires, he came across several Bf 109s near [Kalafrana](/source/RAF_Kalafrana). One of the pilots in his flight destroyed two Bf 109s while Stenborg shot down another. However, his aircraft was badly damaged. With his aircraft in a dive from 8,200 metres (26,900 ft), he struggled to open the hood. He was eventually able to bale out, landing in the sea 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Malta and taking to his inflatable dinghy before being rescued.[2][8][17] He later admitted that the experience "shook him to his teeth".[18] By this time, Stenborg had been joined at No. 185 Squadron by another New Zealander, [John Houlton](/source/John_Houlton), who later described him as "an amusing, volatile type".[19] According to Houlton, when he arrived at the squadron earlier in the month, Stenborg had just been grounded for performing low-level acrobatics over the squadron's airfield.[19]

### Service with No. 91 Squadron

Having flown 34 operational flights for No. 185 Squadron, Stenborg returned to England in late August 1942 and spent a period of time on instructing duties at No. 58 OTU. He then went on to Flight Leaders School before being posted in May 1943 to [No. 91 Squadron](/source/No._91_Squadron_RAF).[2][4] It was based at [Hawkinge](/source/RAF_Hawkinge) and was equipped with Mk XII Spitfires, flying on offensive sorties to German-occupied Europe and escorting bombers.[20] Now a [flight lieutenant](/source/Flight_lieutenant), on 24 August, Stenborg shared in the destruction of a Fw 190 near [Bernay](/source/Bernay-en-Ponthieu) and on 4 September claimed sole credit for shooting down another Fw 190 and damaging a second, both near [Le Touquet](/source/Le_Touquet). He destroyed a Bf 109 over [Verneuil](/source/Moussy-Verneuil) on 16 September and shot down a Bf 109 to the northeast of [Rouen](/source/Rouen) a week later.[4][8]

The next day, 24 September, while flying a [Ramrod mission](/source/Glossary_of_RAF_code_names) escorting bombers to [Beauvais](/source/Beauvais) in France, No. 91 Squadron encountered a large group of enemy fighters. During the resulting [dogfight](/source/Dogfight), Stenborg was shot down and killed. His aircraft crashed 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from Beauvais. He was buried nearby at the [Marissel French National Cemetery](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Marissel_French_National_Cemetery&action=edit&redlink=1) [[fr](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%A9cropole_nationale_de_Marissel)], [Oise](/source/Oise). By the time of his death, Stenborg had flown 120 operational flights for No. 91 Squadron and 188 sorties altogether. He was credited with having destroyed fifteen aircraft, one of which was shared with other pilots, and damaging three others.[8][21][22][23]

## Legacy

Stenborg is one of the 191 New Zealanders killed in the Second World War who are listed on the Takapuna War Memorial in Auckland.[24] He is also listed on the nearby Howick and Pakuranga First World War Memorial, in a section for those killed in the Second World War.[25]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-cenotaph_1-0)** ["Cenotaph Record: Gray Stenborg"](https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C18613). *Online Cenotaph*. Auckland Museum. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250223060205/https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C18613) from the original on 23 February 2025. Retrieved 8 February 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELambert2011310–312_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELambert2011310–312_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELambert2011310–312_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELambert2011310–312_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELambert2011310–312_2-4) [Lambert 2011](#CITEREFLambert2011), pp. 310–312.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Commission Gained - Young Auckland Airman"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19411112.2.99). *New Zealand Herald*. No. 24120. 12 November 1941. Retrieved 8 February 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMartyn2008452–453_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMartyn2008452–453_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMartyn2008452–453_4-2) [Martyn 2008](#CITEREFMartyn2008), pp. 452–453.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERawlings1976449–450_5-0)** [Rawlings 1976](#CITEREFRawlings1976), pp. 449–450.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBowyer198439–40_6-0)** [Bowyer 1984](#CITEREFBowyer1984), pp. 39–40.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERawlings1976237–240_7-0)** [Rawlings 1976](#CITEREFRawlings1976), pp. 237–240.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEShoresWilliams1994567–568_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEShoresWilliams1994567–568_8-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEShoresWilliams1994567–568_8-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEShoresWilliams1994567–568_8-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEShoresWilliams1994567–568_8-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEShoresWilliams1994567–568_8-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEShoresWilliams1994567–568_8-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEShoresWilliams1994567–568_8-7) [Shores & Williams 1994](#CITEREFShoresWilliams1994), pp. 567–568.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECullGalea2005155–157_9-0)** [Cull & Galea 2005](#CITEREFCullGalea2005), pp. 155–157.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERawlings1976311–312_10-0)** [Rawlings 1976](#CITEREFRawlings1976), pp. 311–312.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECullGalea2005165–166_11-0)** [Cull & Galea 2005](#CITEREFCullGalea2005), pp. 165–166.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECullGalea2005186_12-0)** [Cull & Galea 2005](#CITEREFCullGalea2005), p. 186.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECullGalea2005201_13-0)** [Cull & Galea 2005](#CITEREFCullGalea2005), p. 201.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECullGalea2005236–237_14-0)** [Cull & Galea 2005](#CITEREFCullGalea2005), pp. 236–237.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["No. 35646"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35646/supplement/3303). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)* (Supplement). 28 July 1942. p. 3303.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECullGalea2005235_16-0)** [Cull & Galea 2005](#CITEREFCullGalea2005), p. 235.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECullGalea2005256–257_17-0)** [Cull & Galea 2005](#CITEREFCullGalea2005), pp. 256–257.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECullGalea2005258_18-0)** [Cull & Galea 2005](#CITEREFCullGalea2005), p. 258.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHoulton198557_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHoulton198557_19-1) [Houlton 1985](#CITEREFHoulton1985), p. 57.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERawlings1976217–218_20-0)** [Rawlings 1976](#CITEREFRawlings1976), pp. 217–218.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMartyn1999146_21-0)** [Martyn 1999](#CITEREFMartyn1999), p. 146.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMorris2000328_22-0)** [Morris 2000](#CITEREFMorris2000), p. 328.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Casualty Details: Flight Lieutenant Gray Stenborg"](https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2234408/). Commonwealth War Graves Commission. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250125024531/https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2234408/gray-stenborg/) from the original on 25 January 2025. Retrieved 8 February 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Takapuna War Memorial"](https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/takapuna-war-memorial). *New Zealand History*. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240612225340/https://nzhistory.govt.nz/memorial/takapuna-war-memorial) from the original on 12 June 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Howick and Pakuranga First World War Memorial"](https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/howick-first-world-war-memorial). *New Zealand History*. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240524144245/https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/howick-first-world-war-memorial) from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2025.

## References

- [Bowyer, Chaz](/source/Chaz_Bowyer) (1984). *Royal Air Force Handbook 1939–1945*. Shepperton: Ian Allan. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7110-1318-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7110-1318-7).

- Cull, Brian; Galea, Frederick (2005). *Spitfires Over Malta: The Epic Air Battles of 1942*. London: Grub Street. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-904943-30-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-904943-30-6).

- Houlton, Johnnie (1985). *Spitfire Strikes: A New Zealand Fighter Pilot's Story*. London: John Murray. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7195-4178-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7195-4178-6).

- Lambert, Max (2011). *Day After Day: New Zealanders in Fighter Command*. Auckland: HarperCollins Publishers. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-86950-844-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-86950-844-9).

- Martyn, Errol (1999). *For Your Tomorrow - A Record of New Zealanders Who Have Died While Serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services Since 1915 - Volume Two: Fates 1943–1998*. Christchurch: Volplane Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-473-06311-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-473-06311-5).

- Martyn, Errol (2008). *For Your Tomorrow - A Record of New Zealanders Who Have Died While Serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services Since 1915 - Volume Three: Biographies & Appendices*. Christchurch: Volplane Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-473-12829-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-473-12829-6).

- Morris, Gerard S. (2000). *Spitfire: The New Zealand Story*. Auckland: Reed Books. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7900-0696-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7900-0696-0).

- Rawlings, John (1976). *Fighter Squadrons of the RAF and their Aircraft*. London: MacDonald & James. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-354-01028-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-354-01028-X).

- Shores, Christopher; Williams, Clive (1994). *Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots of the British and Commonwealth Forces in WWII*. London: Grub Street. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-8-9869-7000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-8-9869-7000).

v t e New Zealand World War II flying aces with 10+ aerial victories 25–29 Colin Falkland Gray (27 & 2 shared) 20–24 Evan Mackie (23) Bill Crawford-Compton (20 & 1 shared) 15–19 Raymond Hesselyn (18 & 1 shared) Alan Deere (17 & 1 shared) Johnny Checketts (16) Edgar Kain (16) Brian Carbury (15 & 2 shared) 10–14 Gray Stenborg (14 & 1 shared) John Gibson (12 & 1 shared) Jack Rae (12) Edward Wells (12) Warren Schrader (11 & 2 shared) Geoffrey Fisken (11) George Jameson (11) Minden Blake (10 & 3 shared) Nigel Park (10 & 1 shared) Ernest Joyce (10) Roy LeLong (10) Robert Spurdle (10) V-1 aces Arthur Umbers (28–15 + 5 aircraft) Owen Eagleson (21–20 + 2 & 1 shared aircraft) Raymond Cammock (20 & 1 shared) James Hugh "Black Mac" McCaw (19 & 1 shared) James Roy Cullen (16) Raymond Danzey (11) Harvey Sweetman (10 & 1 shared + 2 aircraft) Frank Brewster "Bruce" Lawless (10 + 1 aircraft) List of World War II aces from New Zealand Lists of World War II flying aces

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Gray Stenborg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_Stenborg) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_Stenborg?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.