{{Short description|Scottish First World War flying ace (1895–1974)}} {{EngvarB|date=June 2017}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}} {{Infobox military person |honorific_prefix= Sir |name= Matthew Frew |image= |image_size= |alt= |caption= |nickname= "Bunty"<ref>Olive, G. ''Spitfire Ace: My Life as a Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot'' (Amberley Books, 2015), p. 37</ref> |birth_date= {{Birth date|df=yes|1895|4|7}} |birth_place= Glasgow, Scotland |death_date= {{Death date and age|df=yes|1974|5|28|1895|4|7}} |death_place= Pretoria, South Africa |burial_place= |allegiance= United Kingdom |branch= British Army (1914–18)<br/>Royal Air Force (1918–48) |service_years= 1914–1948 |rank= Air Vice Marshal |unit =Highland Light Infantry<br/>No. 45 Squadron RFC<br/>No. 6 Squadron RAF |commands= Directorate of Air Training, South African Air Force (1942–48)<br/>Training HQ, South African Air Force (1940–42)<br/>RAF Hornchurch (1937–38)<br/>No. 10 Squadron RAF (1934–37)<br/>No. 111 Squadron RAF (1933–34) |battles= First World War<br/>Second World War |awards= Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire<br/>Companion of the Order of the Bath<br/>Distinguished Service Order & Bar<br/>Military Cross & Bar<br/>Air Force Cross<br/>Mentioned in Despatches (2)<br/>Silver Medal of Military Valour (Italy)<br/>Commander of the Royal Order of George I (Greece)<br/>Military Cross, 1st class (Belgium) |relations= |other_work= }} Air Vice Marshal '''Sir Matthew Brown Frew''', {{postnominals|country=GBR|size=100|sep=,|KBE|CB|DSO1|MC1|AFC}} (7 April 1895 – 28 May 1974) was a Scottish 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.<ref name="theaerodrome">{{cite web |url= http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/scotland/frew.php |title=Matthew Brown Frew |work=The Aerodrome |year=2014 |accessdate=19 December 2014}}</ref>
==Early life and background== 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.<ref>{{London Gazette |city=e |issue=15121 |date=13 November 1934 |page=953 }}</ref>
==First World War== 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.<ref name="theaerodrome"/> After serving as a cadet, he was commissioned as a probationary temporary second lieutenant on 26 September,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=20 October 1916 |issue=29792 |page=10087 }}</ref> was appointed a flying officer on 6 April 1917,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=27 April 1917 |supp=y |issue=30038 |page=4034 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and confirmed in his rank on 11 April.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=27 April 1917 |supp=y |issue=30039 |page=4060 |nolink=yes}}</ref>
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.<ref name="theaerodrome"/> 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,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=16 October 1917 |supp=y |issue=30340 |page=10709 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and on 24 October, though still only a second lieutenant, was appointed a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=2 November 1917 |supp=y |issue=30368 |page=11453 |nolink=yes}}</ref> On 17 December he was awarded a Bar to his Military Cross.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=14 December 1917 |supp=y |issue=30431 |page=13180 |nolink=yes}}</ref> 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.<ref name="theaerodrome"/>
After his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 15 January 1918, Frew suffered from neck pains and was eventually invalided back to England the following month, to serve as a flying instructor at the Central Flying School for the rest of the war.<ref name="theaerodrome"/><ref name="rafweb">{{cite web |url= http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Frew.htm |title=Air Vice-Marshal Sir Matthew Frew |first=M. B. |last=Barrass |work=Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation |year=2014 |accessdate=19 December 2014}}</ref> On 4 March he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=1 March 1918 |supp=y |issue=30555 |page=2728 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and was promoted to lieutenant on 26 March.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=19 April 1918 |supp=y |issue=30642 |page=4804 |nolink=yes}}</ref>
On 1 April 1918, the day that the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service were merged to form the Royal Air Force, Frew was again appointed a temporary captain. He received mentions in dispatches on 18 April and 30 May,<ref name="rafweb"/> and on 12 September was granted permission to wear the Silver Medal for Military Valour awarded to him by the King of Italy.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=10 September 1918 |supp=y |issue=30895 |page=10742 |nolink=yes}}</ref> On 5 May 1919 Frew was transferred to the unemployed list,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=3 June 1919 |issue=31380 |page=7072 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and his award of the Air Force Cross was gazetted shortly after on 30 May.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=30 May 1919 |supp=y |issue=31378 |page=7033 |nolink=yes}}</ref>
==Inter-war career== On 24 October 1919 Frew rejoined the RAF on a short service commission with the rank of flight lieutenant. From 19 February 1920 he served on the Air Staff at the headquarters of No. 7 Group RAF, then on 8 June was posted to the RAF (Cadet) College at RAF Cranwell to serve on the staff and as an instructor.<ref name="rafweb"/> On 28 July 1921 Frew was granted a permanent commission in the RAF, retaining his rank and seniority, and his short service commission was cancelled.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1921/1921%20-%200514.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=657 |volume=XIII |page=514 |journal=Flight |date=28 July 1921 |accessdate=19 December 2014 }}</ref>
On 8 December 1921 he was posted to No. 6 Squadron RAF in the Middle East Area,<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1921/1921%20-%200863.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=679 |volume=XIII |page=863 |journal=Flight |date=29 December 1921 |accessdate=19 December 2014 }}</ref> then to No. 4 Flying Training School in Egypt on 14 October 1923<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1923/1923%20-%200717.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=778 |volume=XV |page=717 |journal=Flight |date=22 November 1923 |accessdate=19 December 2014 }}</ref> to serve as a flying instructor.<ref name="rafweb"/> On 16 December 1925 Frew returned to the Home Establishment, to serve on the staff of the Armament and Gunnery School at RAF Eastchurch,<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1925/1925%20-%200815.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=885 |volume=XVII |page=815 |journal=Flight |date=10 December 1925 |accessdate=19 December 2014 }}</ref> where on 1 July 1927 he was promoted to squadron leader.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=1 July 1927 |issue=33290 |page=4240 |nolink=yes}}</ref> On 24 July 1927 he was appointed Chief Flying Instructor<ref name="rafweb"/> at No. 1 Flying Training School, RAF Netheravon.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1927/1927%20-%200633.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=973 |volume=XIX |page=585 |journal=Flight |date=18 August 1927 |accessdate=19 December 2014 }}</ref>
Frew returned to the Middle East when on 10 March 1931 he was appointed to serve on the Air Staff (Operations) at the Headquarters of RAF Iraq Command based at RAF Hinaidi.<ref name="rafweb"/><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1931/1931%20-%200327.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=1162 |volume=XXIII |page=303 |journal=Flight |date=3 April 1931 |accessdate=19 December 2014 }}</ref> On 11 May 1933 he was appointed Officer Commanding, No. 111 Squadron RAF, and received a Bar to his DSO on 6 October.<ref name="rafweb"/> On 1 July 1934 he was promoted to wing commander,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=3 July 1934 |issue=34066 |page=4233 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and on 15 August was appointed Officer Commanding, No. 10 (B) Squadron RAF, based at RAF Boscombe Down.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1934/1934%20-%200903.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=1340 |volume=XXVI |page=9O5 |journal=Flight |date=30 August 1934 |accessdate=19 December 2014 }}</ref> On 22 March 1937 he was appointed Officer Commanding, RAF Hornchurch, taking command on 2 April,<ref name="rafweb"/> and on 1 July 1938 he was promoted to group captain.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=1 July 1938 |issue=34527 |page=4248 |nolink=yes}}</ref> On 2 August 1938 he was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer of No. 23 (Training) Group, based at RAF Grantham.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1938/1938%20-%202346.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=1547 |volume=XXXIV |page=154 |journal=Flight |date=18 August 1938 |accessdate=19 December 2014 }}</ref>
==Second World War== On 1 September 1940 Frew was appointed Air Officer Commanding, Training Headquarters, South African Air Force.<ref name="rafweb"/> On 1 December 1940 he was promoted to temporary air commodore,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=10 December 1940 |issue=35010 |page=6982 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and again to acting air vice marshal on 16 September 1942,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=2 October 1942 |supp=y |issue=35731 |page=4343 |nolink=yes}}</ref> when he assumed the position of AOC, Directorate of Air Training, SAAF.<ref name="rafweb"/>
Frew was made a Companion of the Bath on 1 January 1943, and on 1 June was promoted from air commodore (acting air vice marshal) to temporary air vice marshal.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=22 June 1943 |supp=y |issue=36067 |page=2881 |nolink=yes}}</ref> On 16 September 1943 his rank of acting air commodore was made war substantive,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=12 October 1943 |supp=y |issue=36211 |page=4562 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and from 24 September was permitted to wear insignia of a Commander in the Royal Order of George I with Swords, conferred "in recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war" by the King of the Hellenes.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=21 September 1943 |supp=y |issue=36183 |page=4248 |nolink=yes}}</ref>
On 15 June 1945 Frew was granted permission to wear the Military Cross, 1st class, conferred by the Belgian government.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=8 June 1945 |supp=y |issue=37125 |page=3084 |nolink=yes}}</ref> On 1 January 1946 he was promoted from air commodore (temporary air vice marshal) to air vice marshal,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=4 January 1946 |supp=y |issue=37423 |page=348 |nolink=yes}},</ref> and on 1 January 1948 was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=30 December 1947 |supp=y |issue=38161 |page=13 |nolink=yes}}</ref> Frew retired from the RAF at his own request on 19 December 1948.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=17 December 1948 |supp=y |issue=38483 |page=6608 |nolink=yes}}</ref>
Air Vice Marshal Frew died in Pretoria, South Africa, on 28 May 1974.<ref name="rafweb"/>
==Citations== ;Military Cross :Temporary Second Lieutenant Matthew Brown Frew, General List and RFC. :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.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=30561 |date=7 March 1918 |page=2915 |supp=y |nolink=yes }}</ref>
;Bar to Military Cross :Temporary Second Lieutenant Matthew Brown Frew, MC, General List and RFC. :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.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=30645 |date=23 April 1918 |page=4857 |supp=y |nolink=yes}}</ref>
;Distinguished Service Order :Temporary Captain Matthew Brown Frew, MC, General List and RFC. :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.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=30845 |date=16 August 1918 |page=9560 |supp=y |nolink=yes }}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Frew, Mathew}} Category:1895 births Category:1974 deaths Category:Military personnel from Glasgow Category:British Army personnel of World War I Category:Highland Light Infantry soldiers Category:Royal Flying Corps officers Category:British World War I flying aces Category:Scottish flying aces Category:Royal Air Force personnel of World War I Category:Royal Air Force personnel of World War II Category:Royal Air Force air vice-marshals Category:Companions of the Order of the Bath Category:Knights Commander of the Order of the British Empire Category:Recipients of the Air Force Cross (United Kingdom) Category:Recipients of the Military Cross Category:Companions of the Distinguished Service Order Category:Recipients of the Silver Medal of Military Valor Category:Commanders of the Order of George I Category:Scottish emigrants to South Africa