Explore Peterborough’s Hidden Military History on Little Lake Cemetery Walking Tour

By Scott Arnold

From a Peterborough resident who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg to local men who served in the Napoleonic Wars and First World War, a guided tour of Little Lake Cemetery will uncover stories of those who served long before the conflicts most often remembered today.

Trent Valley Archives is inviting the public to Join military historian and knowledgeable tour guide Don Willcock in Little Lake Cemetery on Sunday, November 8 at 2pm to learn more about Peterborough's hidden military history and pay your respects at the final resting places of the men and women who selflessly served their community and their country in wartime. (photo courtesy of trent valley archives)

The Trent Valley Archives is inviting the community to look beyond the First and Second World Wars and discover Peterborough’s connections to earlier military conflicts.

Military historian and tour guide Don Willcock will lead a walking tour of Little Lake Cemetery on Sunday, November 8th at 2pm, sharing the stories of local residents who served their country and community during wartime.

Among those featured will be Colonel J.W. Miller, who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War; John Roach, who served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars; and brothers Harry and Heber Rogers, who were both prisoners of war during the First World War.

The tour will explore the final resting places of these individuals and others, offering a different perspective on Peterborough’s military history and the people whose experiences are part of it.

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased through Eventbrite.

The walking tour begins in front of the chapel at Little Lake Cemetery. Participants are asked to arrive five to 10 minutes early with a printed or digital copy of their ticket.

The route covers a large portion of the cemetery grounds, following main roadways where possible, but includes some uneven and hilly terrain and may not be accessible to everyone. The tour runs rain or shine, so comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

The subject matter also includes difficult and sensitive material. Anyone with questions about accessibility or the tour's content can contact Trent Valley Archives at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or 705-745-4404.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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