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

Stanley Thomas Meares was born on 23rd August 1916, the son of Douglas Hadley Meares and Minnie Meares (nee Ambler) of Ash Vale, Surrey.

He was 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 4th April and joined 74 Squadron at Hornchurch on 4th January 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 12th August 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 30th June 1941 and awarded the DFC (gazetted 22nd July 1941) being then credited with two Me109s destroyed and two more damaged.

He married Estevana Elizabeth Harcourt-Vernon at Frimley on 16th August 1941.

Meares was posted to command 71 (Eagle) Squadron at North Weald on 24th August 1941.

On a training flight on 15th November in Spitfire Vb W3963 he collided with P/O RO Scarborough in W3627. Both men were killed.

Meares was 25 and is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery.