Matthew Frew
| Sir Matthew Brown Frew | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Bunty" |
| Born |
7 April 1895 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Died | 28 May 1974 (aged 79) Pretoria, South Africa |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch |
British Army (1914–18) Royal Air Force (1918–48) |
| Years of service | 1914–1948 |
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal |
| Unit |
Highland Light Infantry No. 45 Squadron RFC No. 6 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | Directorate of Air Training, South African Air Force (1942–48) Training HQ, South African Air Force (1940–42) RAF Hornchurch (1937–38) No. 10 Squadron RAF (1934–37) No. 111 Squadron RAF (1933–34) |
| Battles/wars |
First World War Second World War |
| 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) Silver Medal of Military Valour (Italy) Commander of the Royal Order of George I (Greece) Military Cross, 1st class (Belgium) |
Air Vice Marshal Sir Matthew Brown Frew, KBE, CB, DSO & Bar, MC & Bar, AFC (7 April 1895 – 28 May 1974) was a First World War flying ace, credited with 23 aerial victories, who went on to serve as a senior officer in the Royal Air Force and South African Air Force during the Second World War.
Frew was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of Henry Lorimer Frew and his wife Annie. His father was a partner in the family business of George Frew & Son, sailmakers and cover makers of Paterson Street, Glasgow.
Frew enlisted as a private in the Highland Light Infantry in 1914, and after serving on the front lines in France, transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in August 1916. After serving as a cadet, he was commissioned as a probationary temporary second lieutenant on 26 September, was appointed a flying officer on 6 April 1917, and confirmed in his rank on 11 April.
On 28 April 1917 Frew was posted to No. 45 Squadron RFC to serve on the Western Front in France, flying the Sopwith 1½ Strutter. He gained his first two victories on 5 June, flying with observer Second Lieutenant M. J. Dalton, then gained three more between 16 July and 10 August with observer Second Lieutenant George Brooke, all over Albatros D.IIIs, to attain flying ace status. No. 45 Squadron was then re-equipped with the Sopwith Camel, and Frew gained his 6th victory on 3 September, two more followed the next day, then another ten by 27 October. On 18 October he was awarded the Military Cross, and on 24 October, though still only a second lieutenant, was appointed a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain. On 17 December he was awarded a Bar to his Military Cross. No. 45 Squadron was then transferred to the Italian Front, and Frew gained another seven victories between 11 January and 4 February, bringing his confirmed total to 23.
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