9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2004 - Page 0088
Image details
| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Transcription |
86 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) severe attack ofJaundice, but went to battle by ambulance any- way, transferring to his tank only at the last moment. By the end of 1942, he was celebrated for his cool and decisive leadership and had won the Military Cross. He was seriously wounded in the arm at Wadi Akarit and was evacuated to England, where he spent nine months as an instructor at Sandhurst, rejoining the Regiment in Italy in 1944 to the command of his old squadron. His four troop leaders then were all 20 year old officers with little battle experience, and during the fighting in the Gothic Line offensive, Laurie would often to be seen racing to help them his tank turret tra- versing and firing on the move. By the end of the war he was known far beyond the Regiment for his courage and calmness in action. But this outstanding sol- dier also appreciated his creature comforts. After a battle, he would invariably change into clean clothes and receive his brother officers in his specially adapted tent with drinks and a copy of The Tatler on the table at its entrance. When his tank was blown up at Wadi Akarit, although wounded he and all his crew managed to leave the tank; but further action was sus- pended, however, by a radio signal that the Squadron Leader’s ivory hair brushes had been left in his tank and must be recov- ered first. After the war, David Laurie commanded his squadron in Palestine and in Scotland before spending two years as second in command of the Yorkshire Dragoons. He successfiJlly adapted to a very different form of soldiering and he was a well-known party host during the Doncaster Leger week with his first wife Tessa (daughter of John Gilroy, a fellow 9th Lancer). Then it was back to the 9th in Germany, and finally to his fulfilment as its Commanding Officer in 1958. With first the threat and then the reality of amalgamation hanging over the Regiment, it might well have been a depressing time, but his unfailing enthu- siasm kept the regimental spirit and efficiency at a very high standard to the end. His successful command of his famous old regiment, capping his brave fighting career, was recognised by the award of the OBE on his retirement in 1962. In retirement, David spent 20 years as an active member of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms and after a long and characteristically courageous tussle with Parkinson’s disease, died at his home in Oxfordshire. He married secondly, Peggy Hancock who died in 1994. He is survived by his first wife, their three children and three grandchildren. WBR Major CM Oxley Born in 1928, Christopher was the only son of Lt Col Malcolm Oxley and his wife, Adria, who farmed in Gloucestershire. With them came his first taste of hunting, with the Beaufort. After Eton and Sandhurst he joined the 12th Lancers in 1948 whilst the regiment was training recruits for Armoured Car regiments. Here there was hunting with the Zetland as well as two reg- imental shoots; which Chris enjoyed in full measure with many of his brother Officers. Having re-formed and re-trained as a fighting regiment, the 12th sailed to Malaya in 1951 to undertake a more interesting role in the war against the communist insurgency. Chris com- manded a colourful troop of Poles and Irishmen with great panache and later excelled at other tasks given to him sufficient to be awarded a Mention in Despatches when the regiment fin- ished its tour of duty in 1954. He qualified as a Wireless Instructor in 1953, and was appointed Signals Officer when the regiment went to Germany early 1955. This was a key appointment in the 12th, who were the recce reg- iment of the 6th Armoured Division and responsible for report- ing on any attempt by the Russians to cross into West Germany. There was also ample opportunity to enjoypolo in B.O.A.R. and Chris ultimately played Back in the regimental team after return- ing from a Staff attachment to Divisional Headquarters. In 1957, his Commanding Officer despatched him to England with a troop of Armoured Cars on a recruiting drive. There was talk of Amalgamations and regiments at full strength stood a better chance of surviving. This was extremely successful and upon his return, Chris was appointed Adjutant only shortly before the 12th were presented with a new Guidon by the C.I.G.S., Field Marshall Sir Gerald Templer, an old friend since Malaya. By this time it was known that, despite all endeavours, amalgamation was inevitable, albeit with our close friends, the 9th Lancers. A further Staff appointment, at Tidworth followed whilst the 12th departed for Cyprus at the approaching demise of the E.O.K.A. in 1958. Shortly after this he was summoned back to command A (Air-portable’) squadron of the regiment, a role he relished and excelled at and enjoyed more than any other. Again, more polo until Cyprus gained independence in 1960, when the 12th Lancers returned to Tidworth to prepare for amalgamation. A posting to Leicestershire followed almost immediately where Chris was appointed Training Major of the Leicestershire & Derbyshire (P.A.O.) Yeomanary, who held him in high esteem. His exercises planned for Annual Camp were imaginative and interesting as well as much enjoyed. This much-coveted job also enabled him to enjoy hunting with the Quorn Cottesmore and, in Derbyshire, the Meynell hounds. In 1961 he met and married his first wife before deciding to retire from the army. Firstly in Hampshire and later Suffolk, Chris was able to indulge his fondness for shooting and successfully ran a number of syndicate shoots, as well as commentating at polo and other eqestrian events including the Suffolk Hunt Pony Club. In more recent years he derived much pleasure from his work for Riding for the Disabled and his commitment to the local Church, particularly St Andrews at Great Saxham where he died in 2004. A quiet and reserved man by nature, and very self-effacing, Chris had a keen sense of humour, was an avid reader 7 particu- larly of Military History 7 a talented sportsman and a very able and respected soldier. The ‘Ox’ as he was affectionately known to his friends will be greatly missed, particularly by his wife Johanna, and his five children who survive him. To them we offer our heartfelt condolences. ONGS Captain Sir William Peek Bt 9th Lancers (1919 — 2004) I think it maybe said that Bill Peek was the best type of English Countryman committed to sport, farming, public service and above all, to his family. |
| Title |