Peter began his professional life after Wrekin by working in his father’s estate agent business in Hastings. At the same time, he was pursuing his studies to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor. On 1^st July 1939, with war looming he obtained a commission within the Territorial Army [TA], a decision that would soon shape the course of his short life.

Mobilisation and Service in France

With the outbreak of War, Peter was mobilised for active service. He was deployed to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). During the intense military operations, he was evacuated from the beaches at Dunkirk in May 1940, a significant and dramatic event in the early phase of the war.

Service in Northern Ireland and Transfer to the British Indian Army

Following his evacuation from Dunkirk, Peter served a brief period in Northern Ireland. In January 1941, demonstrating his willingness to take on new challenges, he volunteered for a transfer to the British Indian Army.

Deployment in Malaya and the Retreat to Singapore

Peter was stationed in Kedah, a state in northwest Malaya near the border with Thailand. His unit was involved in the arduous retreat to Singapore, fighting alongside his comrades during the Japanese advance. On 15^th February 1942, Peter was captured by the Japanese following the fall of Singapore.

Communications and Uncertainty

A few weeks after Peter’s capture, his father received a letter from his company commander. The officer conveyed that he had “reliable news that the latter was safe and well shortly before the capitulation of Singapore and that there need be no anxiety as to his personal safety. He did very good work throughout the retreat,” he added, providing a glimmer of hope to his parents.

Final Correspondence and Tragic News

Peter’s parents last received written communication from him in July 1943. Unbeknown to them, Peter had tragically died in November 1942 from dysentery at the age of 25. After the Japanese surrender, his body, like thousands of others, was never found and so he is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.

Elder son of Mr & Mrs R.T. Glenister of Hastings, Sussex; grand nephew of Sir John Bayley. Peter is one of two OWs commemorated on this memorial.

A copy of this story is available for download here.

Revised: November 2025