Pilot's brevet : Second Lieutenant J J Pengilley, Australian Flying Corps

Australian Flying Corps embroidered pilot's qualification brevet. The brevet has cream cotton embroidered wings, a King's crown, and the letters 'AFC' within a khaki embroidered laurel wreath, on a dark blue wool ground.

Worn by 549 Second Lieutenant John Joseph 'Jack' Pengilley who served in the AIF and the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) during the First World War. Pengilley was born in 1893. He was working as a station master when he enlisted in 12 Light Horse Regiment in January, 1915. He sailed for Egypt in June 1915 aboard the troopship 'Suevic'. After training at Oasis camp, Heliopolis he sailed to Gallipoli with 6 Light Horse Regiment. He served at Gallipoli until December 1915 then returned to Egypt. Six weeks later the regiment was reformed without horses at Oasis camp and posted to garrison duty at various places on the Suez Canal with 12 Light Horse Regiment. Pengilley transferred to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in December, 1916. He left for England with 68 Australian Squadron, RFC in February 1916 as a transport driver. He qualified as a pilot and received his commission in November, 1917. After serving at several air force stations as an instructor ferry pilot he was posted to No 3 Squadron, AFC in France. While serving on the Somme in France and in Belgium he flew DH6, DH4, SE5, Bristol Fighters, BE 2E and BE 2C aircraft. He returned to Australia in March 1919 with the rank of First Lieutenant and was discharged on 9 August, 1919. Pengilley re-enlisted for service in the RAAF during the Second World War with the service number 262020. He enlisted in December 1940 with the rank of Flying Officer and served as a Flying Control Officer at various air force stations in Australia until October, 1945. He was discharged on 27 September, 1945 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant.