Frank Weare facts for kids

Flight Lieutenant Frank Gerald Craven Weare MC (born June 15, 1896 – died July 6, 1971) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He became known as a "flying ace" because he shot down fifteen enemy aircraft in just forty days! He was also awarded the Military Cross for his courage.

Early Life and School

Frank Weare was born in a town called Southborough, Kent, in England. His dad, Frank, and mom, Mary, lived there. Frank's family owned a company that made bricks and tiles, which his grandfather started in 1885. When Frank was about 14, he went to a famous school called Charterhouse School.

Becoming a Pilot in World War I

Frank wanted to serve his country. He first trained to be an army officer at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. In 1915, he became a second lieutenant in a group called The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).

In 1917, Frank joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), which was the air force part of the army back then. After learning to fly, he became a flying officer on July 11. By December 1917, he was promoted to lieutenant.

Joining No. 22 Squadron

On March 11, 1918, Frank became a flight commander (a leader of a group of planes) in No. 22 Squadron RFC. He flew a Bristol F.2 Fighter, which was a two-seater plane. This meant he flew the plane, and another person, called an observer, helped spot enemy planes and used a machine gun.

Just two days later, on March 13, Frank and his observer, Second Lieutenant S. J. Hunter, got their first victory by destroying an enemy plane. They got another victory on March 16.

Then, Frank started flying with Lieutenant George S. L. Hayward. Together, they became a very successful team. By the end of March, they had achieved six more victories!

Forming the Royal Air Force

On April 1, 1918, a big change happened. The Army's Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Navy's Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) joined together to create the Royal Air Force (RAF). Frank's unit became No. 22 Squadron RAF.

Frank and George Hayward continued their amazing work. On April 2, they destroyed two more enemy planes. On April 12, they destroyed three more. And on April 22, they took down two more. This brought Frank's total victories to 15!

Military Cross Award

Frank Weare was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. This award is given for acts of courage during battle. His award was officially announced on June 21, 1918.

The award recognized his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." This means he showed great courage and dedication. In just eight days, he destroyed two enemy planes, forced one down out of control, and helped his observer destroy two others. He also flew important scouting missions at low heights. He was praised for his "splendid fighting spirit" and for leading his group with great skill.

After the War

After World War I ended, Frank continued to serve in the newly formed Royal Air Force. In 1919, he became a permanent lieutenant in the RAF, and later a flying officer.

In July 1920, Frank took part in an air race during the yearly RAF Pageant, which was a big air show. He flew an Avro 504 plane and won the race! On January 1, 1922, he was promoted to flight lieutenant.

In August 1923, Frank was one of 16 pilots who competed in the "Air League Challenge Cup." He flew a Bristol F.2 Fighter in this race, which covered about 100 miles. Many famous pilots took part in this competition.

On January 30, 1924, Frank decided to leave the RAF, but he was allowed to keep his rank of Flight Lieutenant.

Family Life and Business

In April 1924, Frank married Eleanor Rachel Cherry-Downes. They had four children together. Frank then joined his family's business, the High Brooms Brick & Tile Company. He eventually took over the company after his father passed away in 1941. The company continued to operate until the 1960s.