Awards & Winners

Frank McNamara

Date of Birth 04-April-1894
Place of Birth Rushworth
(Australia, Victoria, Shire of Waranga, Shire of Campaspe)
Nationality Australia
Profession Soldier
Air Vice Marshal Francis Hubert McNamara, VC, CB, CBE was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for valour in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to a member of the British and Commonwealth forces. Serving with the Australian Flying Corps, he was honoured for his actions on 20 March 1917, when he rescued a fellow pilot who had been forced down behind enemy lines. McNamara was the first Australian aviator—and the only one in World War I—to receive the Victoria Cross. He later became a senior commander in the Royal Australian Air Force. Born and educated in Victoria, McNamara was a teacher when he joined the militia prior to World War I. In 1915, he was selected for pilot training at Central Flying School, Point Cook, and transferred to the Australian Flying Corps the following year. He was based in the Middle Eastern Theatre with No. 1 Squadron when he earned the Victoria Cross. In 1921, McNamara enlisted as a flying officer in the newly formed RAAF, rising to the rank of air vice marshal by 1942. He held senior posts in England and Aden during World War II. Retiring from the Air Force in 1946, McNamara continued to live in Britain until his death from heart failure in 1961.

Awards by Frank McNamara

Check all the awards nominated and won by Frank McNamara.

1917


Victoria Cross
(In recognition of most conspicuous bravery that took place on 20th March, 1917 as Lieutenant of the No. 1 Squadron AFC during the First World War.)