Dfc To Papuan Resident

Inlying -Officer Basil Spiller,

I? formerly of Ulenapi, Papua, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He held the rank of Pilot-Officer at the time of the award, and has since been promoted.

The citation is as follows: “Pilot-Officer Spiller has proved him self a navigator of exceptional ability, and possessed of cool courage and deter mination. He has participated in numer ous operational sorties against targets in Germany and enemy-occupied territory.

“On one occasion his aircraft was dam aged by heavy anti-aircraft fire and he was wounded in the thigh, but although in pain he unhesitatingly continued with his allotted tasks while receiving first-aid from another member of the crew. He navigated the aircraft accurately to the target and back to this country.

“By his example of fortitude and devo tion to duty. Pilot-Officer Spiller has won the admiration and confidence of his crew.”

Flying-Officer Spiller is a son of Mr. H.

Spiller, who is at present attached to the Production Control Board in Milne Bay, Papua.