Date of birth:

April 4th, 1894 (Rushworth/Victoria, Australia)

Date of death:

November 2nd, 1961 (London/England, Great Britain)

Nationality:

Australian

Servicenumber 5
Frank Herbert McNamara was born April 4th, 1894 in Rushworth, Australia. After graduation from Shepparton School he took up studies at respectively Teachers Training College and Melbourne University. After his education he started teaching. 1911 he joined the Senior Cadets and a year later he transferred to the Brighton Rifles. July 1913 he received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant.
At the outset of World War One, McNamara served in Queenscliff and in Port Nepean. Following this he received training at the Officers Training School in Broadmeadows. Between February and May 1915 he taught at the AIF Training Depot. In August he enrolled in Point Cook Flying School, graduating as a pilot in October.
He was posted to 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps. January 1916, this squadron was transferred to Egypt. In May, McNamara was transferred to 42 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and was trained at Central Flying School in Upavon. After an interlude as an instructor with 22 Squadron, he rejoined 1 Squadron in Egypt. March 20th, 1917, he was injured while on a bombing mission. Despite his injuries he landed his aircraft to pick up a downed colleague. This action was a succes and McNamara was awarded the Victoria Cross. He was the first member of the Australian Air Force to be awarded the V.C.
April 1917, McNamara was Flight Commander holding the rank of Captain. However, due to his injuries he was unfit to keep flying and returned to Australia in August. January 1918 he was honorably discharged.
September 1918, McNamara was called back into service and became flight instructor. In 1921, the Royal Austalian Air Force was established and he went to serve immediately as Flight Lieutenant. March 1924 he was appointed as Squadron Leader. After having filled several posts, he transferred to the British Royal Air Force during the twenties. October 1931 he was promoted to Wing Commander and in 1936 to Group Captain. Janaury 1st, 1938 he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
At the outset of World War Two, McNamara became Air Commodore and in 1942 he was promoted to Air Vice Marshall. From 1942 to 1945 he served as Air Officer Commanding British Forces in Aden. In 1945 he joined the British Ministry of Defence as RAAF representative. In 1946 he was appointed Director of Education at Headquarters British Occupation Administration in Germany.
After his retirement, July 11th, 1946, Frank McNamara continued living in London where he passed away, November 2nd, 1961.

Promotions:
July 15th, 1916: Flying Officer

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Air Vice-Marshal

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1945

Published in The London Gazette on January 1st, 1945.
Promulgated in the Commonwealth of Autstralia Gazette on January 4th, 1945.

• Photo 1: Australian War Memorial
• Photo: Australian war Memorial
  
• - The London Gazette of 21st July 1916, Issue 29675
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 8th June 1917, Issue 30122
  - Supplement to The London Gazette of 31st December 1937, Issue 34469, dated 1st January 1938
  - Supplement to The London Gazette of 29th December 1944, Issue 36866, dated 1st January 1945
  - Australian war Memorial
  - World War 2 Nominal Roll