Private Robert Allan Patterson
1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal
Royal Canadian Artillery
Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers
WW II
Allan was born 20 December 1917 to Peter and Jessie (Duncan) Patterson of the Rosebank district, north of Morden, Manitoba. They had a mixed farm at (22-4-5) in the Clegg School District in the RM of Thompson.
Allan was the eldest of three children, he had a brother Lorrie and a sister Norma. He attended the Clegg School until grade 8 after which he farmed with his father and also worked as a mechanic at Brunn’s Garage in Morden until enlisting in the army. On 22 November 1940, at the age of 23, Allan joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and served for approximately 30 days. On 11 January 1941 he joined the Royal Canadian Artillery (R.C.A.) at Brandon, Manitoba and was given the rank of Gunner (Private in the Artillery). On 28 April 1941 he was transferred to Fort Osborne in Winnipeg and spent several months training as a mechanic and on 07 July 1941 was transferred to the 17th Field Battery. He was subsequently transferred to Borden, Ontario and then to a school in London, Ontario and on completion was classified as an aero-engine, diesel and motor mechanic (fitter). Allan’s records indicate that upon course completion, December 1941, he was transferred to 1st Canadian Base Ground Workshop. Since he was no longer attached to the RCA his rank designation, Gunner, was now changed to Private. On 12 March 1942 he was transferred overseas to Gourock, Scotland and trained as a Motor Vehicle (MV) and Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) fitter and driver. Allan served in the United Kingdom and on 13 August 1944 landed in France and served throughout North West Europe. He served at various times with elements of Royal Canadian Ordinance Corp (RCOC) and eventually as a member of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). After hostilities ceased in Europe, prior to his repatriation to Canada and in spite of his record, several Absent with Out Leave (AWOL) charges, Allan was asked to continue serving post war as a mechanic. He elected to take the discharge and on 13 February 1946 was released, returned to the farm and worked there with his father.
Allan was introduced to Emma Hilderman by an army buddie. She worked at the Defence Industries Limited (DIL) ammunition plant in Ajax, Ontario, filling shells. They married 15 June 1946 and continued farming. Allan and Emma had 3 children, Carol Banman, Blaine (deceased 2006) and Pat Hiebert (deceased 2012). They continued to live with Allan’s parents, sharing a 15 room house, until his father passed away 05 November 1951. Allan’s mother Jessie then moved to Winnipeg and went to work as a housekeeper, eventually moving in with her other son Lorrie and his wife Elma, until her passing 15 May 1960.
Allan served many years as a trustee for the Clegg School Division and when Clegg was consolidated with the Morden and Miami School Districts he became a school bus driver, taking the children to Morden. Emma too became school bus driver and acted as a spare.
In 1966 Allan and Emma sold the farm and bought a house on 6th Street in Morden. Emma went to work as a dietary aide for the Morden District General Hospital and Allan, missing the farm, got a job at the Morden Experimental Farm, now the Morden Research and Development Centre. During their time in Morden they enjoyed their family, friends, baseball games, curling bonspiels, deer hunting and some traveling. They were members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 (Allan 25 years) and Legion Auxiliary (Emma) for many years. Emma passed away 28 August 2008.
Robert Allan Patterson passed away 29 November 1975 at 57 years of age and is buried at Hillside Cemetery in Morden, Manitoba.
Information is from Allan’s war records (Library and Archives Canada) and from Carol Banman (daughter) and Kelly Torrington (Patterson – granddaughter)
Able Seaman Arthur William Peers
1939-1945 Star, Atlantic Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal
Royal Canadian Navy
WW II
Arthur William Peers was born 21 March 1923 to Arthur George Withers and Eva Beatrice (Best) Peers in Dauphin, Manitoba. He grew up with his two sisters Celia and Freda and attended school in the community in which he was born. As a teenager he worked at the Gay Theater in Dauphine as a projectionist.
Art joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942 at age 19 and was known to his peers as Sea Biscuit. He served on HMCS Magog, a River Class Frigate that was assigned to convoy escort in the North Atlantic, along the eastern coast of Canada and the U.S. At 1925 hrs 14 October 1944, while in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, they were torpedoed by U-Boat U1223. The Magog lost 65 feet off its stern, nearly 1/4th of its 283-foot length. Fortunately, of the ships company there were only 6 casualties, 3 killed and 3 injured. HMCS Magog did not sink and was towed to safety and later declared as being unrepairable. Sea Biscuit was transferred to the HMCS Waskisui, another River Class Frigate also assigned to convoy escort duty and the search for U-Boats until VE Day 08 May 1945, He was discharged 24 August 1945.
After his RCN service Art got employment with the Manitoba Power Commission (MPC), later Manitoba Hydro and in 1949 met and married Anne Dyck. They moved to Manitou Manitoba in 1951 where he was a lineman and became the Assistant District Supervisor for MPC. He and Anne had 5 children Lorraine, Judi, Arthur, Rick and Thomas and in May 1966 Anne passed away.
In 1969 Art was transferred to Morden where he worked with hot line tools as a lineman and later changed his job to bucket truck operator, the first in the Morden district
. In 1974 he married Marie Klassen and they were married 30 years. Art retired from Manitoba Hydro in 1982 and took up a hobby of making trinkets which he gave to family and friends, “just to see a smile on their faces.”
During his lifetime Arthur was awarded the War Service Badge by Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) HMCS Chippiwa. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion and a member of St Thomas Anglican Church and in 1998 he received the Caregiver of the Year Award.
Arthur William Peers passed away 21 September 2004 and is buried at the Manitou Cemetery.
Sergeant Myrtle Elizabeth (Spencer) Petersen
Royal Canadian Air Force
WW II
Myrtle Elizabeth (Spencer) Petersen was born 29 January 1912 at the home of her parents, Earnest and Amanda (McDowell) Spencer at Dunston within the Rural Municipality (RM) of Stanley, 8 miles north-west of Morden, Manitoba. Her parents were homesteaders from Ontario. Myrtle was the 5th of 10 children, Mildred 1898-1985, Baden Herbert 1900-1963, Sterling 1900-1971, Cora 1903-1991, Orval 1914-1992, Velma 1915-1978, Helen Irene 1918-1990, Ralph Ernest 1920-1944 and Mervin 1924-1998. Myrtle was not the first in her family to serve her country, her father Earnest was a Sergeant with the Lisgar Rifles of Kemptville, Ontario. Her brother Baden enlisted during WW I, 06 February 1917 with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Ralph served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles in WW II and was killed at Juno Beach 06 June 1944 and Sterling also served in WW II with the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, enlisting 16 March 1942.
Myrtle attended Lloyd George School in the RM of Thompson, a short distance from the family farm and later boarded in Morden, Manitoba to complete her education.
Following school Myrtle went to Ernfold, Saskatchewan and became postmistress there. Ernfold, 173 km west of Regina had a population of 300 at one point and was a full service village on the Canadian Pacific Railroad line at that time.
On 02 July 1941 Canada’s Governor General authorized the creation of a component in the Air Force for women, later known as the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division, RCAF (WD). Their function would be to release male military personnel, who were presently employed as administrators, clerks, cooks, transport drivers, equipment assistants and telephone operators making them available for combat roles. Prior to this women had only been allowed to serve in medical or nursing capacities. Before wars end, 69 of the RCAF’s 102 trades were opened to women. Recruiting standards were, at least a high school entrance standing, be able to pass a trade test, be of “good character”, 21 to 41 years old, single or if married could have no children under her care. Women holding civil service positions and those with dependent children were ineligible. Myrtle and her brothers Ralph and Sterling, like many young people signed up. Myrtle’s initial training took place in Toronto, Ontario and she served her entire time in the province of Ontario. By the time she was demobilized, at war’s end, Myrtle had attained the rank of Sergeant. Although it is unknown if she was awarded medals for her service, personnel in similar roles and service as above were awarded medals as follows, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and the 1939-45 War Medal.
Myrtle returned to the Spencer family homestead and soon after met Alfred Petersen who also resided in the RM of Stanley, 3.5 miles north-west of Morden. Myrtle and Al were married 01 October 1947 in Winnipeg. They settled on the Petersen family farm and Myrtle did all the accounting for the farm. Myrtle and Al felt blessed by the birth of their son Gregory and together they worked the farm and raised their son.
Myrtle was very involved in her community. She helped with the administrative responsibilities of the Dunston Community Church and was the superintendent of the Sunday school. She played a key role in establishing the Morden Museum, now known as the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC) which displays some of her father’s artifacts. Some of the Spencer homestead land, Myrtles childhood home, is still being used by the CFDC as an ongoing dig site. Myrtles contribution to her family, community and country continue to be admired.
Sergeant Myrtle Elizabeth (Spencer) Petersen died 02 February 1982 and is buried at Hillside Cemetery, Morden, Manitoba.
Information from family and on the Royal Canadian Air Force (Women’s Division) from The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Flight Sergeant Jacob A. Peters
Defense Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal
Royal Canadian Airforce
415 Squadron
WW II
Jake was born in Kronsgart, Manitoba 24 May 1923, the eldest of fourteen children, Pete, Sue, Bill, John, Mary, Ann, Henry, Tina, Abe, Fred, Cornie, Ben & Trudy born to Jacob and Susan (Unrau) Peters. He attended Kronsgart School and after leaving school he worked as a farm laborer in the Winkler, La Riviere, Springfield and Pilot Mound areas.
Jake joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943. He took his training in Edmonton, Alberta, Regina, Saskatchewan, Mount Joli and Trois-Rivieres Quebec. He received his wings as an Air Gunner, going overseas in July 1944. Jake served with 415 Squadron and arrived in England as the Squadron was being transferred to No. 6 (RCAF) Group of Bomber Command. They assumed a Heavy Bomber role and were equipped with the Halifax at the same time. The Squadron regularly attacked strategic and tactical objectives across the Western Front for the remainder of the war. He was repatriated in February of 1946 on the Liner Queen Elizabeth. Jake received his discharge in March of 1946 with the Rank of Flight Sergeant.
On 08 June 1947, he married Nettie Martens, daughter of Cornelius and Helena Martens. They made their home in the Morden area where they were blessed with eight children, four boys and four girls, Ron, Marlene, Shirley, Albert, Raymond, Norman, Lorraine & Joan.
Jake was very involved with activities at St. Paul’s United Church Morden, serving on the board of Stewards and as an Elder on the Session and on the Parish Board. He was the secretary treasurer of the Sunday school at St. Paul’s United Church for a number of years. He worked at the Research Station for approximately thirty years. Jake was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11 in Morden.
Jake very much enjoyed gardening and tending to his many apple trees. He would take his grandchildren for walks through the garden sampling the many vegetables he grew. Jake loved to play games with his children and grandchildren and watch them playing baseball on the yard.
Jake was a kind gentle man who never raised his voice (with the exception of escaped cattle) and loved his family more than anything. There was nothing better than walking into the house and seeing his face light up at the sight of one of his grandchildren. He loved to spend time with all of them and was never too busy to do so. Jake had an infectious smile and a genuine laugh. His family adored him and loved to spend time with him even if it was just going for a walk. Jake and Nettie were married for 56 years. Jacob and Nettie had in addition to their eight children, 4 sons-in-law, 3 daughters-in-law, 17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren
Jacob A. Peters passed away 17 July 2003 and is buried at Hillside cemetery, Morden, Manitoba.
Information provided by the Family and from 415 (Swordfish) Squadron history.
Leading Aircraftsman Neil Penner
1939 – 1945 Star, Italy Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939 - 45 WarMedal
Royal Canadian Air Force
WW II
Neil Penner was born 10 July 1924 near Plum Coulee Manitoba. He was the only son with 9 sisters born to Peter and Margaret (Neufeld) Penner. Neil related many times how he felt like he was living in a girl’s dormitory. His family moved often as his father sought jobs to support his growing family. At the tender age of 10 Neil was sent out to work for neighbouring farmers. He proved from a very young age, to be a hard worker.
At the age of 17 Neil enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Winnipeg. Shortly after that he was sent to Halifax for more training. In 1942, when his group was ready to be shipped to England, Neil came down with chicken pox and was hospitalized for 21 days. Thus, he missed sailing with his buddies.
World War II took its toll on many of Neil’s friends. God protected Neil through many hardships of war during his 5 year tour of duty. He proudly served in England, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Holland. He returned home at the age of 22. Neil wasn’t comfortable speaking about his military service as was the case with many who served. He said that he had been instructed, by the military, not to discuss war events.
Neil was proud to call Morden home. He married Dorothy Brown 27 June 1947 and they were blessed with 3 children, Sharon, Lorraine and Douglas. He used his war bonds to build their first home. Neil loved his family unconditionally and he had a strong faith in God.
His first job, after returning from England, was driving truck for Morden Transfer. He then purchased his own truck and used it for hauling gravel. Neil got into mail delivery and built his business into a fleet of 30 trucks and 50 employees, delivering mail from Vancouver to Toronto plus many provincial routes.
Neil and his son Douglas owned a snowmobile shop in Morden and this gave them the opportunity to enter many snowmobile races. In January, 1973 they both entered a 3 day race from Winnipeg to St. Paul, Minnesota. Neil finished 10th in a field that included more than 350 riders. He was the second Canadian to cross the finish line, a great accomplishment.
Neil had a passion for horses particularly Arabians and he had one named Lad. His love of horses and riding was well known around Morden and a local RCMP officer asked if he would like to participate in the Commemorative March West and because of his experience, take on the position of trail boss. At the age of 75 he participated in the ride from Emerson, Manitoba to Fort McLeod, Alberta. He was sworn in as an Honorary North West Mounted Police Officer for the duration of the ride. The ride was 1500 KM and lasting from 03 May till 03 July and Neil was the only rider to ride every day from start to finish.
Sergeant Myrtle Elizabeth (Spencer) Petersen
Royal Canadian Air Force
WW II
Myrtle Elizabeth (Spencer) Petersen was born 29 January 1912 at the home of her parents, Earnest and Amanda (McDowell) Spencer at Dunston within the Rural Municipality (RM) of Stanley, 8 miles north-west of Morden, Manitoba. Her parents were homesteaders from Ontario. Myrtle was the 5th of 10 children, Mildred 1898-1985, Baden Herbert 1900-1963, Sterling 1900-1971, Cora 1903-1991, Orval 1914-1992, Velma 1915-1978, Helen Irene 1918-1990, Ralph Ernest 1920-1944 and Mervin 1924-1998. Myrtle was not the first in her family to serve her country, her father Earnest was a Sergeant with the Lisgar Rifles of Kemptville, Ontario. Her brother Baden enlisted during WW I, 06 February 1917 with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Ralph served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles in WW II and was killed at Juno Beach 06 June 1944 and Sterling also served in WW II with the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, enlisting 16 March 1942.
Myrtle attended Lloyd George School in the RM of Thompson, a short distance from the family farm and later boarded in Morden, Manitoba to complete her education.
Following school Myrtle went to Ernfold, Saskatchewan and became postmistress there. Ernfold, 173 km west of Regina had a population of 300 at one point and was a full-service village on the Canadian Pacific Railroad line at that time.
On 02 July 1941 Canada’s Governor General authorized the creation of a component in the Air Force for women, later known as the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division, RCAF (WD). Their function would be to release male military personnel, who were presently employed as administrators, clerks, cooks, transport drivers, equipment assistants and telephone operators making them available for combat roles. Prior to these women had only been allowed to serve in medical or nursing capacities. Before wars end, 69 of the RCAF’s 102 trades were opened to women. Recruiting standards were, at least a high school entrance standing, be able to pass a trade test, be of “good character”, 21 to 41 years old, single or if married could have no children under her care. Women holding civil service positions and those with dependent children were ineligible. Myrtle and her brothers Ralph and Sterling, like many young people signed up. Myrtle’s initial training took place in Toronto; Ontario and she served her entire time in the province of Ontario. By the time she was demobilized, at war’s end, Myrtle had attained the rank of Sergeant. Although it is unknown if she was awarded medals for her service, personnel in similar roles and service as above were awarded medals as follows, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and the 1939-45 War Medal.
Myrtle returned to the Spencer family homestead and soon after met Alfred Petersen who also resided in the RM of Stanley, 3.5 miles north-west of Morden. Myrtle and Al were married 01 October 1947 in Winnipeg. They settled on the Petersen family farm and Myrtle did all the accounting for the farm. Myrtle and Al felt blessed by the birth of their son Gregory and together they worked the farm and raised their son.
Myrtle was very involved in her community. She helped with the administrative responsibilities of the Dunston Community Church and was the superintendent of the Sunday school. She played a key role in establishing the Morden Museum, now known as the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC) which displays some of her father’s artifacts. Some of the Spencer homestead land, Myrtle’s childhood home, is still being used by the CFDC as an ongoing dig site. Myrtles contribution to her family, community and country continue to be admired.
Myrtle Elizabeth (Spencer) Petersen died 02 February 1982 and is buried at Hillside Cemetery, Morden, Manitoba.
Information from family and on the Royal Canadian Air Force (Women’s Division) from The Canadian Encyclopedia.