Frank Weare

Frank Gerald Craven Weare
Nickname(s) Weary
Born 1896
Southborough, Kent, England
Died 6 July 1971
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch Aviation
Rank Captain
Unit No. 22 Squadron RAF
Awards Military Cross

Captain Frank Gerald Craven Weare was a World War I flying ace credited with 15 aerial victories in 40 days.[1]

Early life

Frank Gerald Craven Weare was the son of Frank and Mary L. Weare. In 1901, while he was still a child, he was living in Tunbridge Wells.[2]

World War I service

He was appointed flight commander and temporary captain on 11 March 1918.[3] He scored his first kill two days later. By the end of March, his tally was eight; in April he triumphed seven more times, ending his string with two wins on 22 April 1918. His observer/gunner for a dozen of these victories was George Hayward.[4]

Post World War I service

Weare was granted a permanent commission as lieutenant in the Royal Air Force on 1 August 1919.[5] He was entered in the Air League Challenge Cup to be flown during the August Bank Holiday of 1923. As one of the 16 entries flying Bristol F.2 Fighters, Flight Lieutenant Weare was representing RAF Cranwell.[6] On 31 December 1921, Weare was one of the Flying Officers to be appointed Flight Lieutenant.[7] He resigned his commission on 30 January 1924.[8]

On 25 November 1942, Weare was again commissioned second lieutenant, for service with the Army Cadet Force.[9] On 1 April 1950, Weare was a still a second lieutenant with the cadets.[10] He resigned his commission on the last day of 1950.[11]

In his later years, Weare dealt in real estate; he was responsible for liquidating a private hotel on 14 June 1956,[12] and registered a block of land in Westgate-on-Sea on 14 July 1959.[13][14]

Honors and awards

Military Cross

Lt. (T. /Capt.) Frank Gerald Craven Weare, E. Kent R. and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In 'the course of eight days' operations he destroyed two enemy machines, drove down one out of control and enabled his observer to destroy two others. During an earlier engagement he carried out two valuable reconnaissances at a low altitude. He showed a splendid fighting spirit and displayed great skill and judgment in leading his formation.[15][16]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/weare.php Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  2. ↑ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/weare.php Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  3. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30618/supplements/4283 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  4. ↑ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/weare.php Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  5. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31486/pages/9864 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  6. ↑ Air League Challenge Cup. Flight: 2 August 1923, p. 457.
  7. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32563/supplements/10720 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  8. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32902/pages/875 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  9. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36142/supplements/3782 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  10. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/39146/supplements/780 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  11. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/39146/supplements/781 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  12. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/40809/pages/3595 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  13. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/41764/pages/4476 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  14. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/41764/pages/4475 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  15. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30761/supplements/7425 Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  16. ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30761/supplements/7402 Retrieved 27 January 2010.

Bristol F2 Fighter Aces of World War I. Jon Guttman, Harry Dempsey, Osprey Publishing, 2007. ISBN 1-84603-201-6, ISBN 978-1-84603-201-1.