Frank Weare
Encyclopedia
Captain Frank Gerald Craven Weare was a World War I flying ace
credited with 15 aerial victories in 40 days.
.
s, Flight Lieutenant Weare was representing RAF Cranwell
.
On 31 December 1921, Weare was one of the Flying Officer
s to be appointed Flight Lieutenant
. He resigned his commission on 30 January 1924.
On 25 November 1942, Weare was again commissioned second lieutenant, for service with the Army Cadet Force
. On 1 April 1950, Weare was a still a second lieutenant with the cadets. He resigned his commission the last day of 1950.
In his later years, Weare dealt in real estate; he was responsible for liquidating a private hotel on 14 June 1956, and registered a block of land in Westgate-on-Sea
on 14 July 1959.
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.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited with 15 aerial victories in 40 days.
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.World War I service
He was appointed flight commander and temporary captain on 11 March 1918. 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 HaywardGeorge Hayward
George Hayward was a Welsh international rugby union forward who played club rugby for Swansea and was capped for Wales on five occasions and was part of the 1908 Home Nations Championship winning team.-Rugby career:...
.
Post World War I service
Weare was granted a permanent commission as lieutenant in the Royal Air Force on 1 August 1919. He was entered in the Aerial Derby to be flown during the August Bank Holiday of 1923. As one of the 16 entries flying Bristol F.2 FighterBristol F.2 Fighter
The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War flown by the Royal Flying Corps. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter or popularly the "Brisfit" or "Biff". Despite being a two-seater, the F.2B proved to be an agile aircraft...
s, Flight Lieutenant Weare was representing RAF Cranwell
RAF Cranwell
RAF Cranwell is a Royal Air Force station in Lincolnshire close to the village of Cranwell, near Sleaford. It is currently commanded by Group Captain Dave Waddington...
.
On 31 December 1921, Weare was one of the Flying Officer
Flying Officer
Flying officer is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence...
s to be appointed Flight Lieutenant
Flight Lieutenant
Flight lieutenant is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. It ranks above flying officer and immediately below squadron leader. The name of the rank is the complete phrase; it is never shortened to "lieutenant"...
. He resigned his commission on 30 January 1924.
On 25 November 1942, Weare was again commissioned second lieutenant, for service with the Army Cadet Force
Army Cadet Force
The Army Cadet Force is a British youth organisation that offers progressive training in a multitude of the subjects from military training to adventurous training and first aid, at the same time as promoting achievement, discipline, and good citizenship, to boys and girls aged 12 to 18 and 9...
. On 1 April 1950, Weare was a still a second lieutenant with the cadets. He resigned his commission the last day of 1950.
In his later years, Weare dealt in real estate; he was responsible for liquidating a private hotel on 14 June 1956, and registered a block of land in Westgate-on-Sea
Westgate-on-Sea
Westgate-on-Sea is a seaside town in northeast Kent, England, with a population of 6,600. It is within the Thanet local government district and borders the larger seaside resort of Margate...
on 14 July 1959.
Honors and awards
Military CrossLt. (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.