The Airmen's Stories - S/Ldr. S T Meares

Stanley Thomas Meares was born in Sidcup, Kent in 1916 and educated at King's School, Bruton, Somerset. Meares joined the RAF on a short service commission in January 1936. He was posted to 9 FTS, Thornaby on April 4th and joined 74 Squadron at Hornchurch on January 4th 1937.

In late 1939 Meares was posted to HQ Fighter Command. He was not on the strength of 54 during the Battle of Britain but is believed to have flown one operational sortie with the squadron from Hornchurch on August 12th 1940, qualifying him for the clasp.

In May 1941 Meares joined 611 Squadron at Westhampnett, as a Flight Commander. He was given command of 74 Squadron at Gravesend on June 30th 1941 and awarded the DFC (gazetted 22nd July 1941) being then credited with two Me109’s destroyed and two more damaged. Meares was posted to command 71 (Eagle) Squadron at North Weald on August 24th 1941.

On a training flight on November 15th he collided with Pilot Officer RO Scarborough. Both men were killed.

Meares was 25 and is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery.