| Matthew Brown Frew | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | "Bunty" |
| Born | 7 April 1895 Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Died | 28 May 1974 (aged 79) Pretoria, South Africa |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914 – 1948 |
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal |
| Unit | No. 45 Squadron RFC |
| Commands held | RAF Hornchurch No. 10 Squadron RAF No. 111 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order & Bar Military Cross & Bar Air Force Cross Mentioned in Despatches (2) |
| Other work | Trained South African Air Force during World War II |
Air Vice Marshal Sir Matthew Brown Frew KBE, CB, DSO & Bar, MC & Bar, AFC (7 April 1895 –28 May 1974) was a senior officer in the Royal Air Force and a First World War flying ace, credited with 23 aerial victories.
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Frew joined the Highland Light Infantry in 1914, serving in France from early 1915 until March 1916, before he transferred to the RFC. After training he flew Sopwith Strutters and Camels with No. 45 Squadron from April 1917 until February 1918. He was wounded in action by anti-aircraft fire on 15 January 1918, and medically evacuated the following month.[1]
He scored his first aerial victory on 5 June 1917. By 4 February 1918, his tally had reached 23. He had destroyed 14 German airplanes, 12 of them solo, and the other two shared with fellow aces Kenneth Barbour Montgomery and Raymond Brownell. Frew also drove down nine enemy planes out of control.[2]
Serving with the RAF post-war, he served in North Kurdistan in 1931-2, receiving a bar to his DSO. He later commanded 111 and 10 Squadrons. He retired in 1948 with the rank of Air Vice-Marshal and had been knighted.
Military Cross (MC)
T./2nd Lt. Matthew Brown Frew, Gen. List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantly and devotion to duty on patrol, showing a fine offensive spirit in many combats. He has shot down five enemy aeroplanes, on one occasion leading his formation to attack twenty-two Albatross Scouts, and himself shooting one down.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 7 March 1918 (30561/2915)
Military Cross (MC) Bar
T./2nd Lt. Matthew Brown Frew, M.C., Gen. List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in shooting down three enemy machines in two days. He has destroyed eight enemy machines and driven down many others out of control.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 April 1918 (30645/4857)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
T./Capt. Matthew Brown Frew, M.C., Gen.. List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion when leader of a patrol he shot down an enemy aeroplane, two others being also accounted for in the same fight. On a later occasion he destroyed three enemy machines in one combat, all of which were seen to crash to the ground. Immediately after this combat he had to switch off his engine and make an attempt to glide towards our lines five miles away on account of his machine having received a direct hit. Owing to the great skill and courage he displayed in the handling of his damaged machine, he succeeded in bringing it safely to our lines. He has destroyed twenty-two enemy machines up to date.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 August 1918 (30845/9560)
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