Clarence Peacock
Encyclopedia
Regimental Sergeant Major
Clarence "Lofty" Peacock, DCM
, MM
(died 8th April 1958), was a British soldier who served in Norway
during World War II
, for which he was awarded Norway's highest gallantry decoration the Norwegian War Cross with Sword.
, leaving the Army after six years' service. After a few years, he rejoined the Army in 1936, this time in the Green Howards (1st Battalion at Portland
). He was stationed in Palestine
, where he distinguished himself as a lance-corporal in December 1938 when his unit was attacked on the road between Nablus
and Tulkarm
. His section was ambushed at close range with rifle fire, but Peacock largely suppressed the attack with well-placed fire from his Bren gun, despite a wound to his head. For his coolness and bravery in action, he was awarded the Military Medal, which was presented by the Princess Royal
during a parade at Catterick
to mark the Green Howards' 250th anniversary.
, was sent to Norway with his unit. He distinguished himself in a fighting retreat against the invading forces at Otta
in Gudbrandsdalen on 28 April 1940, in circumstances which emphasised his courage, bravery and service readiness. For this action, Peacock was awarded the War Cross with Sword by the Norwegian Minister in London on 20 March 1942.
After Norway, Peacock war service took place around the world. In the war's last days Peacock again distinguished himself again in battle at Buchen
in Baden-Wurttemberg
on 1 May 1945. During this action against effective German resistance, Company Sergeant Major
Peacock’s company
took heavy casualties, including all the officers except an inexperienced 2nd lieutenant and Peacock was left in effective charge. He personally led the attack on Buchen, including an attack on an enemy machine-gun post, and arranged the evacuation of casualties despite heavy and accurate enemy fire. Peacock's assessment and leadership helped to ensure the attack's success and he was rewarded for his part with the Distinguished Conduct Medal
.
, Cyprus
and Hong Kong
.
On his return from Malaya, he became Regimental Sergeant Major
(RSM) of the Depot at Richmond and during the following three years in this post, he gained a position of great respect. In 1954, he requested a posting as RSM of the 2nd Battalion in Cyprus. The two battalions were subsequently merged and Peacock became 1st Battalion's RSM and went with them to Hong Kong.
Illness necessitated Peacock's return to England in December 1956, and after a lengthy treatment he became RSM of HQ Northern Command at York on the Long Service List. Peacock's last duty with his Regiment was to take part with the representative party at the funeral of the Norwegian King Haakon in October 1957.
s of the Green Howards and he was buried in Richmond with full military honours. The esteem in which he was widely held is indicated by the large number of military and civilian attendees at his funeral and the display of his medals at the Regimental Museum in Richmond.
Peacock was father to four sons, two of whom, Joe and Walter, also joined the Green Howards.
; all other individuals thus displayed were recipients of the Victoria Cross
.
Regimental Sergeant Major
Regimental Sergeant Major is an appointment held by warrant officers class 1 in the British Army, the British Royal Marines and in the armies of many Commonwealth nations, including Australia and New Zealand; and by chief warrant officers in the Canadian Forces...
Clarence "Lofty" Peacock, DCM
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean...
, MM
Military Medal
The Military Medal was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land....
(died 8th April 1958), was a British soldier who served in Norway
Norwegian Campaign
The Norwegian Campaign was a military campaign that was fought in Norway during the Second World War between the Allies and Germany, after the latter's invasion of the country. In April 1940, the United Kingdom and France came to Norway's aid with an expeditionary force...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, for which he was awarded Norway's highest gallantry decoration the Norwegian War Cross with Sword.
Early service
Peacock served first in the Coldstream GuardsColdstream Guards
Her Majesty's Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards, also known officially as the Coldstream Guards , is a regiment of the British Army, part of the Guards Division or Household Division....
, leaving the Army after six years' service. After a few years, he rejoined the Army in 1936, this time in the Green Howards (1st Battalion at Portland
Isle of Portland
The Isle of Portland is a limestone tied island, long by wide, in the English Channel. Portland is south of the resort of Weymouth, forming the southernmost point of the county of Dorset, England. A tombolo over which runs the A354 road connects it to Chesil Beach and the mainland. Portland and...
). He was stationed in Palestine
Palestine
Palestine is a conventional name, among others, used to describe the geographic region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, and various adjoining lands....
, where he distinguished himself as a lance-corporal in December 1938 when his unit was attacked on the road between Nablus
Nablus
Nablus is a Palestinian city in the northern West Bank, approximately north of Jerusalem, with a population of 126,132. Located in a strategic position between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, it is the capital of the Nablus Governorate and a Palestinian commercial and cultural center.Founded by the...
and Tulkarm
Tulkarm
Tulkarem or Tulkarm is a Palestinian city in the northern Samarian mountain range in the Tulkarm Governorate in the extreme northwestern West Bank adjacent to the Netanya and Haifa districts to the west, the Nablus and Jenin Districts to the east...
. His section was ambushed at close range with rifle fire, but Peacock largely suppressed the attack with well-placed fire from his Bren gun, despite a wound to his head. For his coolness and bravery in action, he was awarded the Military Medal, which was presented by the Princess Royal
Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood
The Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood was a member of the British Royal Family; she was the third child and only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. She was the sixth holder of the title of Princess Royal...
during a parade at Catterick
Catterick
Catterick could be*Catterick, North Yorkshire, England, commonly known as Catterick Village**Catterick Bridge, a hamlet near Catterick Village**Catterick Garrison, a British Army garrison near Catterick Village...
to mark the Green Howards' 250th anniversary.
World War II
After the German attack on Norway in April 1940, Peacock, now a sergeantSergeant
Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
, was sent to Norway with his unit. He distinguished himself in a fighting retreat against the invading forces at Otta
Otta
Otta may refer to:* A preliminary name of the yotta SI unit prefix.* In Norse mythology, Hildisvini, also known as "Otta the Simple", who was Freya's lover.* Otta, Norway, a Norwegian town in Gudbrandsdal.* The Otta River in Norway....
in Gudbrandsdalen on 28 April 1940, in circumstances which emphasised his courage, bravery and service readiness. For this action, Peacock was awarded the War Cross with Sword by the Norwegian Minister in London on 20 March 1942.
After Norway, Peacock war service took place around the world. In the war's last days Peacock again distinguished himself again in battle at Buchen
Buchen
Buchen is a town in Germany Neckar-Odenwald district, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is situated in the Odenwald low mountain range, 23 km northeast of Mosbach.-Geography:...
in Baden-Wurttemberg
Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg is one of the 16 states of Germany. Baden-Württemberg is in the southwestern part of the country to the east of the Upper Rhine, and is the third largest in both area and population of Germany's sixteen states, with an area of and 10.7 million inhabitants...
on 1 May 1945. During this action against effective German resistance, Company Sergeant Major
Company Sergeant Major
A company sergeant major is the senior non-commissioned soldier of a company in the armies of many Commonwealth countries, responsible for standards and discipline. In combat, his prime responsibility is the supply of ammunition to the company...
Peacock’s company
Company (military unit)
A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
took heavy casualties, including all the officers except an inexperienced 2nd lieutenant and Peacock was left in effective charge. He personally led the attack on Buchen, including an attack on an enemy machine-gun post, and arranged the evacuation of casualties despite heavy and accurate enemy fire. Peacock's assessment and leadership helped to ensure the attack's success and he was rewarded for his part with the Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean...
.
After World War II
After the war he served in MalayaFederation of Malaya
The Federation of Malaya is the name given to a federation of 11 states that existed from 31 January 1948 until 16 September 1963. The Federation became independent on 31 August 1957...
, Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
and Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
.
On his return from Malaya, he became Regimental Sergeant Major
Regimental Sergeant Major
Regimental Sergeant Major is an appointment held by warrant officers class 1 in the British Army, the British Royal Marines and in the armies of many Commonwealth nations, including Australia and New Zealand; and by chief warrant officers in the Canadian Forces...
(RSM) of the Depot at Richmond and during the following three years in this post, he gained a position of great respect. In 1954, he requested a posting as RSM of the 2nd Battalion in Cyprus. The two battalions were subsequently merged and Peacock became 1st Battalion's RSM and went with them to Hong Kong.
Illness necessitated Peacock's return to England in December 1956, and after a lengthy treatment he became RSM of HQ Northern Command at York on the Long Service List. Peacock's last duty with his Regiment was to take part with the representative party at the funeral of the Norwegian King Haakon in October 1957.
Retirement and death
Clarence Peacock died in Queen Alexandra's Military Hospital Millbank on Tuesday 8th April 1958. His coffin was carried by eight Warrant OfficerWarrant Officer
A warrant officer is an officer in a military organization who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission, or from non-commissioned officer who is designated an officer by virtue of seniority.The rank was first...
s of the Green Howards and he was buried in Richmond with full military honours. The esteem in which he was widely held is indicated by the large number of military and civilian attendees at his funeral and the display of his medals at the Regimental Museum in Richmond.
Peacock was father to four sons, two of whom, Joe and Walter, also joined the Green Howards.
Honours and awards
Peacock's service exploits are part of the exhibition in the Green Howards' Regimental Museum in Richmond, North YorkshireRichmond, North Yorkshire
Richmond is a market town and civil parish on the River Swale in North Yorkshire, England and is the administrative centre of the district of Richmondshire. It is situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and serves as the Park's main tourist centre...
; all other individuals thus displayed were recipients of the Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
.
- Norwegian War Cross with Sword (1942)
- Distinguished Conduct MedalDistinguished Conduct MedalThe Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean...
(1945, Germany) - Military MedalMilitary MedalThe Military Medal was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land....
(1938, Palestine) - General Service MedalGeneral Service MedalThe General Service Medal can refer to any one of the following medals:* General Service Medal * General Service Medal * General Service Medal * General Service Medal * New Zealand General Service Medal 1992...
with service clasps for PalestinePalestinePalestine is a conventional name, among others, used to describe the geographic region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, and various adjoining lands....
, MalayaFederation of MalayaThe Federation of Malaya is the name given to a federation of 11 states that existed from 31 January 1948 until 16 September 1963. The Federation became independent on 31 August 1957...
and CyprusCyprusCyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the... - 1939-1945 Star
- Africa StarAfrica StarThe Africa Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in the Second World War.The Star was awarded for a minimum of one day service in an operational area of North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943...
- Italy StarItaly StarThe Italy Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II.The medal was awarded for operational service in Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, Pantelleria, the Aegean area and Dodecanese Islands, and Elba at any time between 11 June 1943 and 8 May 1945...
- France and Germany StarFrance and Germany StarThe France and Germany Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II.The medal was awarded for operational service in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Germany from 6 June 1944 to 8 May 1945...
- Defence Medal
- War Medal 1939–1945War Medal 1939–1945The War Medal 1939–1945 was a British decoration awarded to those who had served in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy full-time for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been served at sea...
- Queen Elizabeth II Coronation MedalQueen Elizabeth II Coronation MedalThe Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.-Issue:For Coronation and Jubilee medals, the practice up until 1977 was that United Kingdom authorities decided on a total number to be produced, then allocated a proportion to...
- Long Service and Good Conduct MedalLong Service and Good Conduct MedalThe Long Service & Good Conduct Medal is a medal awarded by the British Government to members of the British Armed Forces who have completed 15 years of reckonable service.-British Army:...
- Mentioned in Despatches three times (including one in Cyprus)