Maurice Mealing
Encyclopedia
Second Lieutenant Maurice Edmund Mealing MC
was a World War I flying ace
credited with 14 aerial victories.
While Mealing was originally an infantryman, he transferred into the Royal Flying Corps
and was commissioned on 16 May 1916. He reported to 15 Squadron as an observer on 7 August, and remained with the unit until May 1917. He then received pilot's training, and joined 56 Squadron on 18 October as a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a pilot. He opened his victory roll on 30 November, destroying an Albatros D.III
over Lesdain
. On 10 December, he became a balloon buster
when he destroyed an observation balloon.
He began 1918 with a victory on 25 January, and another on 17 February. Then, in March, while Mealing was on the brink of acedom, the German buildup toward their last offensive supplied him with numerous opportunities. Between 8 and 24 March, he bagged ten more wins, including another balloon busted, a reconnaissance plane shared with Captain William Spurrett Fielding-Johnson
and another two-seater downed while teamed with Second Lieutenant Harold Walkerdine
, Lieutenant Henry John Burden
, and three other British pilots. On 24 March, he was seen pursuing a pair of German two-seaters; another report had him standing waving next to his grounded airplane. He was never seen again. His Military Cross was awarded to him on 13 May 1918.
2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Maurice Edmund Mealing, Shrops. L.I. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in aerial fighting. He destroyed three enemy machines and drove three down out of control. He also drove down an enemy balloon in flames. He always showed a splendid spirit of courage, keenness and determination.
Military Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
was a World War I flying ace
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited with 14 aerial victories.
While Mealing was originally an infantryman, he transferred into the Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
and was commissioned on 16 May 1916. He reported to 15 Squadron as an observer on 7 August, and remained with the unit until May 1917. He then received pilot's training, and joined 56 Squadron on 18 October as a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a pilot. He opened his victory roll on 30 November, destroying an Albatros D.III
Albatros D.III
The Albatros D.III was a biplane fighter aircraft used by the Imperial German Army Air Service and the Austro-Hungarian Air Service during World War I. The D.III was flown by many top German aces, including Manfred von Richthofen, Ernst Udet, Erich Löwenhardt, Kurt Wolff, and Karl Emil Schäfer...
over Lesdain
Lesdain
-References:*...
. On 10 December, he became a balloon buster
Balloon buster
Balloon busters were military pilots known for destroying enemy observation balloons. These pilots were noted for their fearlessness. Seventy-six fighter pilots in World War I were each credited with destroying five or more balloons, and thus were balloon aces....
when he destroyed an observation balloon.
He began 1918 with a victory on 25 January, and another on 17 February. Then, in March, while Mealing was on the brink of acedom, the German buildup toward their last offensive supplied him with numerous opportunities. Between 8 and 24 March, he bagged ten more wins, including another balloon busted, a reconnaissance plane shared with Captain William Spurrett Fielding-Johnson
William Spurrett Fielding-Johnson
Captain William Spurrett Fielding-Johnson MC and Bar, DFC was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.Fielding-Johnson was awarded a Military Cross on 3 July 1915, while he was serving with the Leicestershire Yeomanry. On 19 October 1915, he began aerial duty as an...
and another two-seater downed while teamed with Second Lieutenant Harold Walkerdine
Harold Walkerdine
Lieutenant Harold John Walkerdine was a World War I flying ace officially credited with seven aerial victories.-World War I service:...
, Lieutenant Henry John Burden
Henry John Burden
Henry John Burden DSO, DFC was a Canadian First World War flying ace, officially credited with 16 victories....
, and three other British pilots. On 24 March, he was seen pursuing a pair of German two-seaters; another report had him standing waving next to his grounded airplane. He was never seen again. His Military Cross was awarded to him on 13 May 1918.
Awards and honors
Text of citation for Military Cross (MC)2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Maurice Edmund Mealing, Shrops. L.I. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in aerial fighting. He destroyed three enemy machines and drove three down out of control. He also drove down an enemy balloon in flames. He always showed a splendid spirit of courage, keenness and determination.