Peter Metelerkamp
Peter Carel Rex Metelerkamp | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 December 1918 London, England |
| Died | 13 December 1942 (aged 24) Libya |
| Buried | Benghazi War Cemetery |
| Service | South African Air Force |
| Rank | Major |
| Service number | P102668V |
| Battles / wars |
|
Peter Metelerkamp was a South African flying ace of World War II, credited with 5 'kills'.[1]
Born in England, his parents returned to South Africa and lived in Knysna. He joined the Special Service Battalion in 1936 before moving to the Military College. He went on to join the South African Air Force, qualifying as a pilot in 1938. He joined 1 Squadron SAAF in March 1942, in the Western Desert, flying Hurricanes[1]
He was injured during the Battle of Alam el Halfa and was hospitalised. He returned to the squadron in November 1942, transitioning to Spitfires. He was appointed Officer Commanding on 13 November.[1]
He was killed on 13 December when his aircraft was hit and he crashed into the sea. He was buried at Benghazi War Cemetery.[1][2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Shores, C; Williams C (15 July 2008). Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots. Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-898697-00-8.
- ^ Thomas, Andrew (2011). Spitfire Aces of North Africa and Italy. Osprey. ISBN 978-1849083430.
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