Peter Metelerkamp Explained

Peter Carel Rex Metelerkamp
Birth Date:1918 12, df=yes
Birth Place:London, England
Death Place:Libya
Placeofburial:Benghazi War Cemetery
Branch:South African Air Force
Rank:Major
Servicenumber:P102668V
Battles:

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]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots . Grub Street . Shores, C . Williams C . 15 July 2008 . 978-1-898697-00-8.
  2. Book: Spitfire Aces of North Africa and Italy . Osprey . Thomas, Andrew . 2011 . 978-1849083430.