FLYING OFFICER SIDNEY GLEN PETERSON

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FLYING OFFICER SIDNEY GLEN PETERSON Born December 18, 1922, Winnipeg, MB. Killed in Action May 25, 1944, over Hank, Holland. Laid to rest Wednesday, September 27, 2006, Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen. Beloved and loving son of Lawrence and Ethel Peterson, formerly of Winnipeg, MB. Sidney was predeceased by his brother Flying Officer Lawrence Herbert Peterson, killed in action over El Alamein, North Africa, October 30, 1942. Sidney was and is fondly remembered by his brother Flight Lieutenant Warren Senior Peterson (deceased) and wife Florence; and brothers, Clive Julius and Roy Eric Peterson and their families. Sidney will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humour, his leadership qualities and his keen sense of duty. He will always be an inspiration to his younger brothers. Sidney graduated from Lord Selkirk High School in Winnipeg and served as a cadet officer in The Fort Garry Horse Cadets before enlisting in the RCAF in January 1942. After training and receiving his commission and Observer's wing in Canada, he was sent overseas. In England, he received Operational training and served in 65 Squadron and 78 Squadron, RAF. As a navigator with 78 Squadron he flew 26 operational missions in Halifax IIIB bombers. While returning from a mission to Aachen, Germany, his aircraft (Halifax LV905) was shot down over Holland and crashed into a dike, two bodies were recovered, five crewmen including Sidney, were entombed in the wreckage. Recovery of the aircraft and the remains of the crew was begun and completed in 2005 after private donations from the people of Holland were collected and raised by the Salvage Halifax 1944 Foundation. Sidney was posthumously awarded the Operational Wings of the RCAF on November 23, 1946. The Peterson family wish to thank (the late) HRH Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands; Mr. Anton van der Pluym; Mr. and Mrs. Philip de Witt and the members of Stichting Archief*Kring Hank; all the members of the Salvage Halifax 1944 Foundation, Mr. Jan C.K. van Loo, President, Mr. Jan Rouwenhorst, secretary; Captain Hans Spierings and crew members of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Salvage Team, and members of the Identification Team of the Royal Netherlands Army. The family also wish to thank Mr. Steve Austin, Ms. Sarah Tyrrell and Mr. Phil Michael of Veterans Affairs Canada, and Ms. Kirsten Johnson, Canada Remembers Division for their constant attention and superb handling of all arrangements and details pertaining to Sidney's final resting place. Per Ardua Ad Astra, and thank you to all crew members of Halifax LV905 for the Peace we now enjoy.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 27, 2006