In some cases enlisting was the beginning of a fruitful career. Matthew Brown Frew, the son of Henry and Annie Frew, joined the Highland Light Infantry in 1914.
Frew enlisted as a Private, 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 and was appointed a flying officer on 6 April 1917.
He was then posted to 45 Squadron on 28 April 1917, and served in France and Italy where he was credited with 23 victories while flying the Sopwith 1½ Strutter and Sopwith Camel. In 1918 Matthew was injured when his Camel was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He returned to England and served as a flying instructor for the remainder of the war.
Frew remained in the Royal Air Force, was knighted and retired with the rank of Air Vice-Marshal in 1948.
Artist’s Response
Given the opportunity to work with Glasgow Print Studio and Lateral North was exceedingly rewarding. Printmaking has always enticed me, however I had yet to work with professional practitioners and equipment. It was a very valuable and fulfilling journey.
Sir Matthew Brown Frew joined the Highland Light Infantry in 1914. Two years later in August 1916, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. In April 1917, he was posted to 45 Squadron and served in France and Italy. During his service he earned 23 victories flying the Sopwith 1½ Strutter and Sopwith Camel. Unfortunately he had to return home in 1918 due to an injury caused when his Camel was hit. He then became an instructor for the rest of the war period. In 1948 he was knighted and then retired with the rank of Air Vice-Marshal.
Reading about Sir Matthew’s story, I felt as though I had a responsibility to honour his heroic name and his achievements. He was a great leading Captain and lieutenant, so in the print design, I wanted to show him for the man he was, a strong, confident leader.
Sara Pakdel-Cherry
City of Glasgow College
Instagram: @_sarapakdelart_
Sara’s practice evolves around Abstract Expressionism, allowing conceptual thought where she can immerse herself in art. Sara takes inspiration from her own personal life and uses raw emotions throughout her process to prompt concepts. Sara doesn’t like to limit herelf in the use of media and therefore uses a variety to diversely express self, such as: painting, photography, sculpture, collage, digital manipulation and performance art.
