Oliver Charles Peterson whose real name is Olaf Carl was born in Cardiff South Wales, the son of a Danish seaman Karl Henri Petersen and Hannah (known as Roseanne) Davis of Mathon. Karl died when Oliver/Olaf was very young. When Hannah was expecting her second son, she was unable to support herself and Oliver. Oliver was therefore sent to live with Hannah’s sister Elizabeth (Mrs Taylor) in Barnards Green, Malvern.

Oliver never met his younger brother, and it is likely that never saw his mother after he moved to Malvern at the age of about 4 or 5. Before joining the war at its outbreak Pte Oliver C Peterson, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry lived with his aunt, Mrs Taylor near Old Elm, Barnards Green. Following his death, Mrs Taylor received the following from an officer:

“It is with the greatest sorrow that I have to report to you the death of your nephew, Pte O C Peterson. He was unfortunately killed by a shell early in the morning. His death mercifully was painless and I personally saw him buried. A cross has been erected to his memory. Pte Peterson was attached to my Head Quarters as a Company Runner. He was a man who could be thoroughly trusted with an important message and his courage at all times was splendid. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your trouble.”

Malvern News 15/9/17
Mr O Petersen 2006