Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Unit:

576 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force

Awarded on:

March 9th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to attack a target near Leipzig one night in January, 1945. Whilst on the outward flight the port inner engine failed. In spite of this. Flying Officer Pegg continued to the target which he finally bombed at a height much lower than intended. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit iby anti-aircraft fire. The port outer engine was damaged and had to be put out of action. The aircraft became difficult to control. One end of the dinghy rope was lashed to the rudder pedals, however, and the air bomber was thus enaibled to assist his pilot in operating the rudder. Course was set for this country but the aircraft began to lose height and soon became almost uncontrollable. Flying Officer Pegg thereupon altered course for Allied territory. The port outer engine was restarted but caught fire and had to be stopped. The port inner engine was then tried tout it broke up and pieces flew into the fuselage. By this time the wireless operator obtained a fix which established their position over allied territory and Flying Officer Pegg ordered his crew to leave by parachute. As two of them left, the starboard engine caught fire. Flying Officer Pegg managed to keep the aircraft straight though, until all his comrades were clear. As he himself jumped the aircraft was down to 1,000 feet. In the face of harassing and dangerous circumstances, this officer displayed skill, courage and determination worthy of the highest praise."

The investiture took place on March 16th, 1945 at Buckinham Palace where Flying Officer Pegg received the DFC from King George VI.