N.Z. PILOT'S AWARD

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1943, Page 6

N.Z. PILOT'S AWARD

P.A. WELLINGTON, Feb. 24. Aerial service in attacking various targets in the Middle East is mentioned in the citation of the award of the D.F.M. to Pilot Officer Maurice Spinley, R.N.Z.A.F., formerly of Wellington, who at the time of earning his award was a Sergeant. The citation states: "Sergeant Spinley has completed many operations, mainly in the role of Aircraft Captain. He has participated in a large number of long-distance sorties, including raids on objectives in Cyrenaica and in Crete, and in enemy-oc-cupied territory in Egypt. At all times his outstanding devotion to duty has been an inspiration to the members of his squadron. Towards the end of his tour of duty he endured hazardous experiences when his aircraft crashed. On another occasion after flying home on only one engine, he was ordered to take a period of rest, but he requested to be allowed to resume operations. His zeal and devotion to duty deserve the highest praise. Pilot Officer Spinley, who attained his majority in November, was born at Wellington, and educated at Wellington Technical College and the University Tutorial College, Wellington. He left New Zealand for Canada in the middle of 1941, and was commissioned about five months ago. His mother is Mrs E. Spinley, Wellington.