Peter Malam Brothers - Second World War

Second World War

Brothers first saw action during the Battle of Britain as a flight commander in No 32. Squadron RAF which was then based at RAF Biggin Hill flying Hurricane aircraft. The Battle of Britain was a very busy time for Brothers, and during this time he shot down his first enemy aircraft - an Bf 109 - by the end of August 1940 he was officially recognised as a Flying ace, having shot down eight enemy aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for this actions; the citation read:

Air Ministry, 13th September, 1940.

ROYAL AIR FORCE.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the undermentioned awards, in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:—

Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Acting Flight Lieutenant Peter Malan BROTHERS (37668).

During an offensive patrol in August 1940, this officer's flight encountered about one hundred enemy aircraft. He led the flight in attack against them, but before this could be pressed home, he was himself attacked by a number of Messerschmitt 110's. Turning to meet them, he found himself in a stalled position; he spun out of it and immediately sighted and engaged a Dornier 215 which he shot down. Later in the day he destroyed a Messerschmitt 109. Altogether Flight Lieutenant Brothers has destroyed seven enemy aircraft. He has at all times displayed great courage and initiative.

Brothers was promoted substantive flight lieutenant on 3 September 1940, and due to the level of losses within 32 Sqn, it was stood down, and on 9 September he was posted to No. 257 Squadron RAF (also based at RAF Biggin Hill) on 9 September as a Flight Commander under S/L Robert Stanford Tuck. He was promoted in 1941 to Squadron Leader and took command of No. 457 Squadron RAAFin June 1941, and converted to the Spitfire aircraft. A year later when 457 Squadron returned to Australia, Brothers took command of No. 602 Squadron RAF. He became Tangmere Wing Wing Leader in October 1942. He was awarded a Bar to his DFC on 15 June 1943:

Air Ministry, 15th June, 1943.

ROYAL AIR FORCE.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed, in flying operations against the enemy: —

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross.

Acting Wing Commander Peter Malam BROTHERS, D.F.C. (37668), Reserve of Air Force Officers.

This officer has displayed outstanding keenness and efficiency. Within recent months he has led a wing in many operations and, by his skilful work and personal example, has contributed in a large measure to the high standard of operational efficiency of the formation. He has displayed great devotion to duty.

and the DSO in 1944:

Air Ministry, 3rd November, 1944.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: —

Distinguished Service Order.

Wing Commander Peter Malam BROTHERS, D.F.C. (37668), R.A.F.O.

Wing Commander Brothers is a courageous and outstanding leader whose splendid example has inspired all. He has led large formations of aircraft on many missions far into enemy territory. Much of the success obtained can be attributed to Wing Commander Brothers brilliant leadership. He has destroyed 13 enemy aircraft.

By 1945, Brothers had flown 875 operational hours and was credited with having shot down 16 enemy aircraft and damaged many more. Despite his record, he was not offered a permanent commission so left the RAF in 1947 and joined the Colonial Service.