The Airmen's Stories - P/O O J Peterson

Otto John Peterson was born in Eckville, Alberta, Canada on 14th March 1915, the son of Peter Hafdon Peterson (1888-1980) and Magdalena Peterson (nee Hamre 1889-1974).

He attended Lloydminster High school and went on to the University of Saskatchewan where he was awarded a BA. He also studied at the University of Manitoba.

Peterson joined the RCAF on 7th November 1938. While training at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, he met Helen Marian Murray, they were married in April 1940 (below).

He was serving with No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron when it arrived in the UK on 20th June 1940.

Above: Peterson (left) with F/O DD Brown at Northolt.

Above (L to R): F/O H deM Molson, F/O PB Pitcher, F/O PW Lochnan, P/O OJ Peterson, F/O CW Trevena, F/Lt. GR McGregor

He claimed a Do17 damaged on 1st September, a Me110 damaged on the 4th, a Me109 destroyed on the 9th and shared a Do17 on the 25th.

L to R: P/O OJ Peterson, F/Lt. J-P J Desloges, F/O PB Pitcher, F/O H deM Molson at Northolt.

Peterson was shot down and killed in combat with Ju88s and Me110s over North Kent on 27th September.

His Hurricane P3647 crashed at Hever, Kent.

Peterson was 25. He is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery.