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.