A FIGHTING FAMILY.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 31 May 1917, Page 2

A FIGHTING FAMILY.

Sergt.-Major Fred Spinley, reported killed during the capture of Lagnicourt by the Australians, on April 15, was the nephew of Mr C. H. Spinley, of Helensville, himself an old Imperial soldier. His father was Captain J. C. Spinley, V.D of Devonport. On tbe declaration of war he immediately volunteered for service, and left with the Samoan Expeditionary Force. When /the Expeditionary Force was relieved he left for Australia, where he immediately enlisted receiving corporal's stripes. After a course of studies at the Military College at Liverpool he earned an extra stripe, and sailed with the Australian forces for England, where he again earned promotion. A letter received from him a few days ago describes the first advance on the Hindenburg line in March, when he received injuries to his baclc through shell concussion, and was expecting to be sent to the base. The fight on the 15th April in which he was killed is graphically described by the. war authorities in recent* news. A brother, Lieut. H. C Spinley, •is on patrol service in the North Sea. Another brother, Leslie Spinley, was shot through the head at Gallipoli, and was invalided home.