Maurice Mealing

Second Lieutenant Maurice Edmund Mealing MC (21 July 1893 – 24 March 1918) was a World War I flying ace credited with 14 aerial victories.

Military service Mealing was originally an infantryman, and was serving as a sergeant in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry when commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant (on probation) in the Shropshire Light Infantry on 7 May 1916. He then transferred into the Royal Flying Corps, and was appointed a flying officer (observer) on 15 November 1916, with seniority from 7 August. He was posted to No. 15 Squadron as an observer, remaining with the unit until May 1917.

He then received pilot's training, being appointed temporary lieutenant on 1 September 1917, and was appointed a flying officer on 17 September. Mealing joined No. 56 Squadron on 18 October as a 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.

Award and citation Military Cross Second Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Maurice Edmund Mealing, Shropshire Light Infantry and Royal Flying Corps. "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."