Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Private L Peat was serving with the Lincolnshire Regiment when he passed through Peterborough East Station on 28 April 1917.  He wrote in the visitors’ book “One crowded hour of glorious life, Is worth an age without a name”.  “They also “serve” who only stand and wait”.  He also indicated that he had been at St Peter’s College, Peterborough, a teacher training college.

We have been unable to positively identify this soldier due to the absence of his service records.  However, we believe him to be Lawrence Peat who was born on 7 January 1895 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire to parents Lewis Willard, a postmaster, and Mary (nee Davies).  In 1901, Lawrence was living with his parents at 3 High Street, Mansfield Woodhouse.  They were still living in High Street in 1911 and Lawrence, aged 16 at school, had a sister Myfanwy Helen (5).

Lawrence joined the Lincolnshire Regiment sometime in 1915 and disembarked on 16 October 1915 to serve in Gallipoli.  He was commissioned with the Kings Liverpool Regiment on 25 April 1917 and served as a Lieutenant.  He was awarded the 1914/15 Star and the British War and Allied Victory Medals.

Lawrence married Doris Mary Haslam in Mansfield in 1921.  They had two daughters, Margaret (1922) and Elizabeth (1929).  In 1939, the family were living at Marwil, Elm, Wisbech and Lawrence was a schoolmaster.  Lawrence died in King’s Lynn in 1970, aged 75 years.

Could Lawrence Peat be related to you?  Do get in touch if you can tell us more.