• Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:

October 22nd, 1913 (Garson/Manitoba, Canada)

Date of death:

June 8th, 1944 (France)

Buried on:

Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: XIII. Row: F. Grave: 10.

Service number:

H/20430

Nationality:

Canadian

Alfred Martin Peterson grew up in a Lutheran household and later resided at 507 Alexander Avenue in Winnipeg. Before enlisting, Peterson worked as a waiter, a profession he held while living and working near Wendigo Mine in Ontario. His mother, Annie Olson, was listed as his next of kin, residing in Konora, Ontario.

Peterson enlisted in the Canadian Active Service Force on July 3, 1940, at Winnipeg, joining the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. He was assigned regimental number H-20430 and began his military career as a private. His attestation papers show he had no prior military experience, no dependents, and limited formal education, having completed Grade VII. Despite this, he was deemed medically fit for service, with good physical development and no disqualifying conditions.

Throughout his service, Peterson was transferred across various units and locations, including training centers and reinforcement units in Canada and the United Kingdom. He was later attached to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, with whom he served in active combat during the Normandy campaign.

On June 8, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy, Peterson was reported missing in action. He was later presumed killed in action in the Western European theatre of war. His remains were eventually recovered and buried at Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in France.

His personal effects, including letters, photographs, and uniform items, were catalogued and returned to his family.

His sister, Mrs. Signe Lefroy of Toronto, was designated as his sole beneficiary and received his war service gratuity and memorial cross. Peterson’s death was later referenced in the context of war crimes investigations, as he was among the Canadian soldiers believed to have been murdered by German forces during the Normandy campaign. His name appeared in official communications related to the trial of SS General Kurt Meyer, which sought justice for the atrocities committed against Canadian POWs.

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• - Service record(s)

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