Matthew Frew facts for kids

Air Vice Marshal Sir Matthew Brown Frew (born April 7, 1895 – died May 28, 1974) was a brave Scottish pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during the First World War, which means he shot down many enemy aircraft. He achieved an amazing 23 aerial victories! After the war, he continued to serve as a high-ranking officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the South African Air Force during the Second World War.

Early Life and Family

Matthew Brown Frew was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His father, Henry Lorimer Frew, was a partner in a family business that made sails and covers.

First World War Adventures

Frew joined the British Army in 1914 as a private in the Highland Light Infantry. He fought on the front lines in France. In August 1916, he decided to become a pilot and joined the Royal Flying Corps.

Becoming a Flying Ace

By April 1917, Frew was flying with No. 45 Squadron RFC on the Western Front in France. He flew a plane called the Sopwith 1½ Strutter. He quickly showed his skill, achieving his first two victories on June 5. By August, he had shot down five enemy planes, earning him the title of "flying ace."

His squadron then received new planes, the famous Sopwith Camel. Frew continued to excel, gaining many more victories. He earned the Military Cross in October 1917 for his bravery. Even though he was still a junior officer, he was promoted to lead a group of planes as a "flight commander." He received a second Military Cross in December.

Moving to the Italian Front

No. 45 Squadron then moved to the Italian Front. Frew added seven more victories to his record between January and February 1918, bringing his total to 23 confirmed victories.

In January 1918, his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Frew was injured and sent back to England. He spent the rest of the war as a flying instructor, teaching new pilots. He received the Distinguished Service Order for his outstanding service. He was also honored by the King of Italy with the Silver Medal of Military Valor.

Between the World Wars

After the First World War, Frew rejoined the RAF in 1919. He continued to serve in various roles, including as an instructor at the RAF (Cadet) College at RAF Cranwell.

Service in the Middle East

In 1921, Frew was posted to No. 6 Squadron RAF in the Middle East. He later became a flying instructor in Egypt. He returned to England in 1925 to work at the Armament and Gunnery School. In 1927, he was promoted to squadron leader and became the Chief Flying Instructor at No. 1 Flying Training School RAF.

Frew returned to the Middle East in 1931, working at the Headquarters of RAF Iraq Command. He later commanded No. 111 Squadron RAF and received a second award of the Distinguished Service Order. He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a wing commander in 1934 and commanding No. 10 Squadron RAF. In 1937, he took command of RAF Hornchurch, a key air base. By 1938, he was promoted to group captain.

Second World War Service

When the Second World War began, Frew was appointed to a very important role in the South African Air Force (SAAF) in September 1940. He became the Air Officer Commanding for Training Headquarters. This meant he was in charge of training all the new pilots and aircrew for South Africa.

He was promoted to temporary air commodore in 1940 and then to acting air vice marshal in 1942. He led the Directorate of Air Training for the SAAF, continuing his vital work in training.

Awards and Retirement

For his excellent service, Frew was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1943. He was also honored by the King of Greece with the Royal Order of George I. In 1945, the Belgian government awarded him the Military Cross, 1st class.

In 1946, he was promoted to the full rank of air vice marshal. In 1948, he received a very high honor, becoming a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This meant he could use the title "Sir." Sir Matthew Brown Frew retired from the RAF in December 1948.

Sir Matthew Brown Frew passed away in Pretoria, South Africa, on May 28, 1974.