Engbrecht, Peter

Date of birth:: January 27th, 1923 (Poltavka, Russia)
Date of death:: April 23rd, 1991
Service number:: R140754
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Home in Summerside, Prince Edward Island (blacksmith with his father).
By 1944, Engbrecht was a household name in Canada, becoming the RCAF’s only ace who was not a pilot. He shot down eight fighters and disabled a ninth, on bombing runs over Belgium, France and Germany.

Career/promotions:
Enlisted for General Duties in Winnipeg, 17 November 1941
Promotions:
AC1: 17 February 1942.
LAC: 17 May 1942.
Graded as Air Gunner and promoted Sergeant: 30 October 1943.
Flight Sergeant: 30 July 1944.
Commissioned with effect from 23 July 1944.
Flying Officer: 23 January 1945.
Repatriated 8 April 1945.
Released 28 June 1945.
Rejoined RCAF, 22 July 1948 as mess orderly but changed his trade into Mechanical Technician
Retired 6 February 1958 on completion of fixed term of commission.
Re-engaged in Regular Force, 7 February 1958 in Fighter Control Branch until he was released (date unknown).

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Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CMG - Flying)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 424 (Tiger) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
Awarded on:: August 4th, 1944

Citation:
"As mid-upper gunner this airman has participated in several sorties and has proved himself to be an exceptionally cool and confident member of aircraft crew. On one occasion during a sortie his aircraft was subjected to fourteen separate attacks by fighters. In the ensuing fights, Sergeant Engbrecht defended his aircraft with great skill and two of the attackers fell to his guns. In June 1944 he took part in an attack on a target in Northern France. On the return flight his aircraft was attacked on two occasions by fighters. Sergeant Engbrecht engaged the enemy aircraft with deadly effect each time and his brilliant shooting caused their destruction. His feats have been worthy of the greatest praise."