Peterson, Herbert Victor

Date of birth:: 1920 (Calgary/Alberta, Canada)
Service number:: R60240//J. 15600
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Before the war Herbert Peterson worked as a clerk. In 1940 he enlisted in the RCAF and commenced on his flying training program in Canada to become a pilot.
After advanced flying training in England he was posted to No. 10 RAF Squadron, Bomber Command, at Leeming, England on July 31st, 1941. At the beginning of July 1942, Peterson was among the crew of 16 Halifax bombers from No. 19 squadron sent to the Middle East, based at Aquir in Palestine. At this time, German General Rommel was conducting a successful campaign, pushing the British ground forces eastward toward Egypt.
Peterson’s crew and other RAF bomber crews carried out almost nightly attacks against Tobruk, and sometimes Benghazi, taking off from Fayid or Shallufa with Aquir being used as a rear base.
By the middle of November the British were advancing westward against the forces of German General Rommel. The Halifax bomber crews also moved westward. In January 1943, Pilot Officer Peterson was posted back to the UK to No. 1659 Conversion Unit at Topcliffe, England to carry out instructor duties.
In June 1944 Peterson was repatriated to Canada for 'leave' and by September 1944, he was back in the UK.
There is no information available regarding his postwar life.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Warrant Officer
Unit:: No. 35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 29th, 1942

Citation:
"Warrant Officer Peterson has completed many operational sorties of which thirteen have been as captain of aircraft. One night in April 1942 he was detailed to attack the German Naval Base at Trondheim. On arrival over the target, in spite of intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire which he encountered, he dived to very low altitude and pressed home his attack. On the following night he carried out another low-level attack on the same target. His aircraft sustained severe damage and one engine was put out of action. With great skill and judgement Warrant Officer Peterson succeeded in flying his aircraft to an emergency landing ground where he made a safe landing."

DFC and Bar presented by King George VI on 19 October 1943.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Warrant Officer
Unit:: No. 10 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: June 30th, 1942

Citation:
"One night in June 1942, Warrant Officer Peterson was the captain of a Halifax aircraft detailed to attack Essen. Whilst over the target the aircraft was held by strong searchlight cones and subject to intense anti-aircraft fire. The port engine was hit and ceased to function, the windscreen was also damaged and a piece of perspex entered Warrant Officer Peterson's left eye. Nevertheless he continued to take evasive action and eventually set off on the return journey. Whilst over Holland, flying at 11,000 feet, he was attacked by an enemy fighter. His rear gunner delivered a short burst which caused the enemy aircraft to burst into flames and dive away out of control. When crossing the Dutch coast the aircraft was again subjected to anti-aircraft fire and the starboard engine was put out of action. Despite Warrant Officer Peterson's injuries and the severe damage sustained by the aircraft he succeeded in flying back to this country and landing at an aerodrome with which he was unfamiliar. Warrant Officer Peterson displayed fine courage and determination throughout."

Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
DFC and Bar presented by King George VI on 19 October 1943.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Squadron Leader
Unit:: No. 429 (Bison) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
Awarded on:: October 26th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer has served in both the African and European theatres of war. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross he has attacked many of the most heavily defended targets in Germany. On several occasions his skill and fortitude were mainly responsible for the safe return of his aircraft and crew. Squadron Leader Peterson is a flight commander of outstanding ability whose fine leadership and organization have been reflected in the high standard of operational efficiency maintained by his flight."

Second DFC awarded as second bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC and presented 29 November 1947.

Sources

- Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35577 published on the 26 May 1942
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35614 published on the 26 June 194
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37324 published on the 23 October 1945
- Air Force Association of Canada
- Canada Veterans Hall of Valour