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Research in Other Countries => Canada => Canada Lookup Request => Topic started by: daretodiscover on Saturday 10 March 18 02:39 GMT (UK)
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Hi again,
I am trying to find the final fate of the a/m RCAF airman. He was born 19 April, 1914 in Banff, Alberta. He enlisted in the RCAF on 21 September 1941. Prior to war service he had worked as a newspaper printer for both the Hanna Herald (Hanna, Alberta) and the Crag and Canyon (Banff, Alberta). But according to the RCAF casualty list (no next of kin given) at the time his aircraft was lost his family was in Revelstoke, British Columbia. I have already searched the BC Museum site for a death certificate and there isn't one.
He was a member of a No. 148 Sqn Halifax crew shot down on 4/5 August 1944, while delivering supplies to Polish partisans. He and fellow RCAF crewmate, Phillip James Anderson, were able to successfully evade and returned to the UK in March of 1945.
Grateful for any leads.
DTD
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Looks like this is him.... entry into the USA at Idaho in 1939 (in transit to BC).
Says he was born in Sudbury, Ontario in 1919. (But he says he is 25 years old...so that would make his birth year 1914). He is printer. Last permanent residence is Banff Alberta. Father is Frank L (I think that is an L). He lived in New York City for 2 years when he was a child.
Here is the image from family search (number 6303 of 6693)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-897Q-71M4?i=6302&cc=2072140
RK
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There is a reference to him on this French language website, a little over halfway down. The writing is dated 1969 and although I didn't read it all , it seems to deal with the Polish uprising during WWII. It says that after they were shot down, Robert Orlando Peterson and navigator Philip Anderson fought with them (presumably the Polish partisans) and then they were evacuated to England via Odessa on the Black Sea. The writer then goes on to say: "Twenty three years later I met Orlando and . . . we recognized each other immediately."
This would suggest that Peterson may have still been alive 23 years after 1944, in 1967.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01lpy/
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Canada Voters List - 1945 - Robert O Peterson - Airman, Revelstoke Kamloops, British Columbia.
Mrs A H Peterson - (housekeeper)
Sandra
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In looking for RCAF info I have found Pierre Lagacé who manages the site for 403 squadron very helpful. While Robert O Peterson was not with 403, Pierre has many contacts.
https://rcaf403squadron.wordpress.com/
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This may be him (page 9)
old.cgs.ca/cgsdocuments/Heritage%20Archives/.../081230-pioneers-ottawa-1997.pdf
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Many thanks all.
I've made enquiries with a Polish colleague to find out how a Polish book, published in 1976 made use of his flying log and letters sent to his family by the RCAF, once he was missing.
I wish I knew what the "O" in the geologist Peterson's name stood for.
Following from Eileen's link I found another with a fuller bio and photo. I don't think this is the right fellow. If it was it would mean he gave up his profession as a printer and got into Harvard.
https://www.cgs.ca/pdf/memoirs/LL%20Peterson,%20R%20Jan%202017.pdf
DTD
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You may have seen the site http://aircrewremembered.com/mccall-james.html which has the following line:
Sgt. Peterson, one of the survivors, has written about his experiences during this mission in the publication 'Canadian Airmen in Poland' 11, 1962
I'm having no luck finding that publication, however. There is also a picture of him on that site.
(I'm thinking your are already aware of all this, as it states family is searching for info on him).
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Thanks bbart.
I'm not related to anybody on this Halifax. It occurred to me a few years ago that all the information available on this crew came from evader reports from Kew. There's a very good chance there is further information in the files of the two RCAF members of this crew. Anything I find I will be passing on to the daughter of one of the lost airmen.
That "book" has thrown me off for years. I believe, but have not been able to prove yet, that it is an English translation of a Polish book or article which I trying to obtain via a colleague there.
Can anybody tell if Peterson appears in any voter's lists after 1945?
DTD
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The housewife listed with Robert O in the 1945 Revelstoke entry that Sandra posted is possibly his stepmother, not his actual wife, as per a mention of her in that link I gave.
Starting in 1949, there is a printer, Robert Peterson (no middle initial) living in Edmonton, Alberta. There are several voter lists with him, and a wife through to the early 70's. The wife was just named as Mrs Robert Peterson on the earlier ones, but one later one has her as Veda, and another Boca. (I'm going by memory here, it was very late when I found them last night!)
However, I just looked at the 1953 city directory for Edmonton, and the printer Robert DOES have the middle initial of O in the directory (and his wife is Beth). http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/bibliography/2962.47/1156.html
I will go back and get the addresses etc from the voters lists and repost when I get all the info.
As to the publication in 1962, as it has an 11 in front of it.... could it be an article in the Canadian Legion magazine published Nov 1962, or it's Polish counterpart?
Edit to add 1949 directory, wife is Vila. http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/bibliography/2962.43/694.html
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A follow-up to my last post:
1949 Robert Peterson, printer and Mrs. Robert Peterson 9319 93rd Street, Edmonton (East)
1957 and 1958 Robert Peterson, printer, and Mrs. Veta Peterson 9319 93rd Avenue, Edmonton (Strathcona) (I think someone goofed with putting Ave instead of Street)
1965 Robert Peterson, printer, and Mrs. Veta Peterson, kindergarten operator, 9319 93rd Avenue, Edmonton (Strathcona) 9483 75th St., Edmonton-Strathcona
1972 Robert Peterson, printer, and Mrs. Veta Peterson, kindergarten operator, 9319 93rd Avenue, Edmonton (Strathcona) 9483 75th St., Edmonton-Strathcona
I know I've missed at least one, (as I can't refind the one with wife Boca) but I can't find any "for sure" entries after the 1972. (I don't think the Edmonton ones go past 1974, but maybe a library there has old phone books?) There is a lot of Robert Petersons!
Food for thought.... he worked for the newspaper Edmonton Journal. Perhaps that is where that publication in 1962 appeared. Unfortunately, the google archives does not have the issues for Nov 1962.
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Looks like this is him.... entry into the USA at Idaho in 1939 (in transit to BC).
Says he was born in Sudbury, Ontario in 1919. (But he says he is 25 years old...so that would make his birth year 1914). He is printer. Last permanent residence is Banff Alberta. Father is Frank L (I think that is an L). He lived in New York City for 2 years when he was a child.
A possible,
Going with father Frank L., there is a death of Frank L. Peterson in Banff in 1943.
There is an online tree, Frank Louie Peterson, aka Lars Persson Frank, with an obit for him...survived by wife Agnes, two daughters Mrs. J. Newfield, Vancouver, Miss Beverly Joan Peterson, Banff, and three sons Frank, Banff, Albert of Tilley and LAC Robert Peterson, RCAF Belleville, Ontario.
Also noted on that tree, on death of his sister Esther Edna in 1953 (Mrs. Newfield) Robert was living in Edmonton.
Added: Find a Grave for Esther with obit.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50087338
1911 Census Algoma, (next door to Sudbury, where Robert said he was born)
Peterson, Frank, age 29, b. Sweden
Svenson, Alma, age 29, b. Norway
Peterson, Edna, 10, b. Ontario
Peterson, Frank, 1, b. Ontario
http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/SplitView.jsp?id=77028
Wife Alma Josephine Peterson b. 1881 Norway, d. 1928 Banff.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50087432
Frank L. remarries in 1929 in Banff to Agnes H. Goodman (Mrs. A.H. Peterson)
DB
Will try to contact tree owner.
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Great find - good progress DB - ;)
Sandra
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Searching EPL (I think that stands for Edmonton Public Library?) an obit was run for an R. O. Peterson on Nov 17 and 18, 1978
https://www2.epl.ca/obituaries/ObituariesResults.cfm?TheName=peterson&TheInitials=r&TheYear=1950&TheYear2=1982&TheSort=Name&Search=Search+Now%21
It doesn't say what paper though, and those dates aren't in the google newspaper archive :-\
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I had a note on ancestry from someone today regarding my Uncle Robert Peterson. When his father committed suicide in Banff in Jan 1943, Robert was a LAC serving at the airbase in Belleville, ON. When documents show him living in Revelstoke, this is where his step brothers and sister and step mother lived for many years. So when documents show Robert in Revelstoke with a housekeeper named Mrs A. H. Peterson would be Robert's step mom. Agnes Hume Reynolds. My mother remembers visiting him and his wife in Edmonton in the 50's before we went to France with the RCAF. Robert worked at the Edmonton Journal for many years. I believe he has at least one son that may still be in the Edmonton area. He has a half sister still alive but she is not well. His full sister Aunt Esther has a son that was alive recently but I never knew him. I have contacted him before and he prefers no contact.
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His housekeeper was my Grandma Agnes
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in the 50's before we went to France with the RCAF.
Any chance you went to 2 Wing Grostenquin?!? :D
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in the 50's before we went to France with the RCAF.
Any chance you went to 2 Wing Grostenquin?!? :D
We went to RCAF Station Marville...and we went over by GASP GASP a Royal Mail Ship. Now that shows I am OLD. ;D
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Not overly far from where I was.... so a big welcome to Rootschat from a fellow air force brat. ;D
Do you have any idea of where and when Robert O. passed away? Just so we know if we are on the right track?
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He lived in Edmonton. From talking to his nephew (my first cousin ) - he said that he died in Edmonton and had worked at the Edmonton Journal for many years. So I suspect the entry for an obit at the EPL in 1978 would be him. But my first cousin whom I never knew prefers not to be contacted or give out any info. He just told me to look it up online. I would think that one could find it at the EPL but you probably have to be in Edmonton and go to the library.
Yes, I was a base brat too but then I grew up and joined the army myself. ;)
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We certainly appreciate you giving a hand in this quest!
Too bad there is no saluting smiley face here, but of course, thank you for your service!
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And my mother remembers visiting Robert and his wife in Edmonton in the mid 50's. He told my Dad to make sure he treated my mother well. I suppose Robert would have been a bit of a Dad to my father as Robert was a generation older than my father and their father had died when my father was just 12.
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A very warm welcome from me too. :)
Very happy that we found you, and that you took the time to join and add to your Uncle's post.
Thank you both for your service.
DB
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Welcome to RootsChat from me to - all the researchers have done an amazing job on this one.
Its really great to have a relative taking the time to join in. ;)
Well done guys,
Sandra ;)
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Hello all,
I have to say I'm a bit overwhelmed by today's events. I can only wish I had been online when Joan posted. Joan, from one base brat (CFB Soest) to another, my profound thanks for the information you have provided. I will follow up with EPL
Since I came across the story of his aircrew I've often thought what a great movie it would make. Canadian boys on the run in occupied Poland. Alas, I dream.
My thanks to all Rootschatters for taking the time to look up and post information here. Bbart, your tip on the Canadian Legion magazine will be looked into pronto. It had not occurred to me.
DTD
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You can contact Joan privately through the personal message system, sure she would love to make contact with you.
Regards
Sandra
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I now have his obit. Does not give much info but show he had 2 sons. Alan and wife Gwen and Glen and wife Sherry. It was a private funeral.
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There is an online tree, Frank Louie Peterson, aka Lars Persson Frank......
Hi
I took a look in the Swedish Books for you and found these records:
Frank Peterson (Lars) - Birth - 9 July 1882 - Arbrå Parish:
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01lr7/
Frank Peterson (Lars) - Household Examination Book 1902 - Just before he left for USA 13 Aug 1902 - nr 16:
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01lr8/
And if you are interested Frank's (Lars) father was a soldier. Frank is a soldier's name.
Using this link you will be able to see his father's record which can be purchased but may not show anything:
http://www.ep.liu.se/databases/soldatregister/search.sv.aspx - Just search "Frank Per" in soldier's name and you will get 2 hits with parish "Arbrå".
Ian
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Hi again
Not too sure if any of this info is interesting but I will post anyway some records for Alma Josephine. (You may have these):
Alma and Frank's marriage record. Alma's parents: R Svenson and C Johnson:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSZF-T62
Alma Josephine - Birth - 4 Sept 1881 in Eidsberg Parish: Parents: Sven Rikard Emanuelsson and Stina Johannesdotter:
https://urn.digitalarkivet.no/URN:NBN:no-a1450-kb20060905030295.jpg
Alma and family in 1885 Oslo Census: Parents Rikkert Svendsen and C Svendsen - Row 13:
https://urn.digitalarkivet.no/URN:NBN:no-a1450-ft20080516620313.jpg
Alma's family in 1910 Nittedal Census: Living at Kjulsbraaten:
https://digitalarkivet.no/census/rural-residence/bf01036384001093
Alma Josefine's passenger record to Ontario: Surname as Svends. Kjul (Kjulbraaten)
https://digitalarkivet.no/view/8/pe00000001093893
Ian
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Looks as though I am getting carried away. Hoping that this info will help someone along the way.
Here is Alma's parents' marriage record from Oslo - nr 115:
https://urn.digitalarkivet.no/URN:NBN:no-a1450-kb20060921030695.jpg
Sven Rikard Emanuelsson (Rikard Svendsen) - Birth - 22 Jan 1853 in Kungälv Parish Sweden as from the 1910 Census:
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01lru/
Ian
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Absolutely not getting carried away, great stuff. :) I'm sure when Joan comes back she will be
thrilled.
DB
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Hi Ian,
With the passenger list for Alma, I used your link to see if she came on her own, or with other
family. I wasn't able to maneuver around that site. :P
Is there a way to check that.
DB
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Absolutely not getting carried away, great stuff. :) I'm sure when Joan comes back she will be
thrilled.
DB
Thanks DB
Ian
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Hi Ian,
With the passenger list for Alma, I used your link to see if she came on her own, or with other
family. I wasn't able to maneuver around that site. :P
Is there a way to check that.
DB
Hi
Here are all the passengers on that journey:
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01ls0/
Ian
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Thanks Ian. Now why couldn't I see that. ??? ;D
Looks like she came alone.
DB
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Good research. Yes, as far as I know from a cousin in Sweden, Alma came alone. Though this won't make any difference to research on Robert Orlando, I have put in for her Alberta death certificate just to see her COD. I will never know how they came up with the middle name of Orlando for a 1/2 Swedish and 1/2 Norwegian baby...maybe to make him sound North American.
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Yes, as far as I know from a cousin in Sweden, Alma came alone.
She travelled with her brother Johan Edvin Svendsen born Oslo 3 Sept 1887:
https://digitalarkivet.no/view/8/pe00000001093892
Here is the Svendsen family in Nittedal Kjulsbraaten 1900:
http://urn.digitalarkivet.no/URN:NBN:no-a1450-ft20090824330486.jpg
Ian
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I will never know how they came up with the middle name of Orlando for a 1/2 Swedish and 1/2 Norwegian baby...maybe to make him sound North American.
"Origin of the name Orlando:
Latinate cognate of Roland, which is from the Old High German Hruodland, a compound name composed of the elements hruod (fame) and land (land): hence, "fame of the land.""
Looking, for example, in the 1880 Swedish Database there were only 3 Orlando's back then:
Else Orlando b.1851
Manilla Orlando b.1872
Justus Orlando Emanuel Lagerholm b.1876
and in Norway between 1800 and 1890 there were also only 3 (that are in the database):
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01ls1/
Ian
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Johan Edvin and Alma's passenger list - Liverpool to Quebec:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2Q3N-645
Ian
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Hi Joan and DTD
You may already have this by now - a book by Stanislaw Derus, "SZLI PARTYZANCI: Zarys działalności I Batalionu 16 pp. Armii Krajowej Ziemi Tarnowskiej, kryptonim "BARBARA" w 1944 r." published in 1996 in Lubaszowa, Poland.
It lists the four surviving airmen from the shot-down Halifax as being on the strength of this Home Army (AK) battalion, specifically the "Leliwy" company, and includes a photograph of Peterson and Jolly with a Polish partisan. They apparently fought at the battle of Jamną in which 600 partisans were encircled by more than 2,000 troops primarily from the 14th Waffen-SS Galizien division.
Do you know if any of the airmen or their family members ever mentioned fighting alongside the partisans? My interest is in the partisans and the local population.