Honouring AC2 Stanley Peacock on 13 October, 2023

 

On Thursday 13 October 2023, Royal Canadian Air Cadet AC1 Stanley Peacock was honoured at a wreath laying ceremony at his gravesite in St. James’ Anglican Cemetery, Orillia. AC1 Peacock was killed 80 years ago that day while helping as an electrician’s apprentice to build a Fairmile Motor Torpedo Boat at the Hunter Boats shipyard on 13 Oct 1943.

 

The annual commemoration was initiated by the late Raywin Raaflaub, a friend of Stanley Peacock’s in 99 RCAC Sqn, Orillia. The moving ceremony included the 441 Wing Colour Party, the traditional Last Post, minute of silence, the Rouse by Tony Beresford, the Act of Remembrance, the reading of “High Flight” by Norm Marion, and the laying of a wreath in memory of AC1 Peacock by his family members escorted by RCL Branch #34 President Rick Purcell, and a Closing Prayer by Legion Padre Gerry McMullen. In addition to the ten members of 441 Wing present were Orillia Mayor Don McIssac, OPP Inspector Coyer Yateman, Fire Chief Michael Clark, Bugler Tony Beresford, along with RCL Branch #34 Pres Rick Purcell and Rob McCron & three members of Stanley Peacock’s family.

 

Members of 441 Wing then walked over to Ray Raaflaub’s grave and laid a wreath in his memory before going to the Orillia Legion for light refreshments. Ray would have been pleased to know that the ceremony to honour Stanley continues even after he has passed away.