Service number:

55883

Nationality:

British

Peter Sawyer was commissioned to the 4th Territorial Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment in 1933.
For most of the war he served with the 5th Battalion The Royal Hampshire Regiment. Out of 167 officers of the battalion he alone remained with them throughout their many actions in North Africa, Italy and Greece. He was awarded the MC while company commander of the battalion at the Battle of Salerno in south Italy in September 1943.
He became commander of the 4th battalion TA from 1955 until 1959 when he was made deputy commander of the 128 Hampshire Infantry Brigade, a position he held until 1963.
Col. Sawyer combined his civilian career as a chartered architect and his close links with the Army when he designed the Royal Hampshire Regiment memorial in Southgate Street, Winchester.
He was deputy lieutenant for Hampshire in 1972 and was honoured in 1962 by his appointment as Aide-de-Camp TA to the Queen.

Besides his medals below he was also awarded:
OBE
Coronation 1953
Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., Territorial, reverse dated ‘1947’, with four additional service clasps, dated ‘1951’, ‘1952’, ‘1957’, ‘1963’

The recommendation for his OBE stated:

‘Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer has commanded the 4th Bn The Royal Hampshire Regiment (TA) with considerable distinction for over two years. In spite of his heavy civilian commitments he has devoted an exceptional amount of time and effort to his battalion.
Largely due to his personal effort his battalion has maintained a high standard of administration in addition to an excellent record of active and valuable training. Moreover the keenness and success of the 4th Battalion in competition shooting has been marked.
Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer takes a most active interest in recruiting and has maintained, especially in quality, a praiseworthy standard having regard to the possibilities of his territorial area.’

Promotions:
Cadet Company Sergeant-Major
May 24th, 1933: 2nd Lieutenant
May 24th, 1936: Lieutenant
Captain
Major
April 1st, 1955: Lieutenant-Colonel
April 1st, 1959; Colonel

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

The Hampshire Regiment

Awarded on:

August 24th, 1944

In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

The Hampshire Regiment (Winchester)

Awarded on:

December 21st, 1944

Recommendation:
"After the landing at Salerno on 9 September 43, Major Sawyer, who was commanding “A” coy was responsible in a large measure for reforming the Bn successfully after a very confused fighting in the beach area. At one time on 9 Sept: when all officers and many O.Rs of Bn HQ had become casualties. He reorganised the headquarters under heavy fire from enemy tanks and by his example and energy, restored confidence in the Bn area.

During the R.Volturno operations between 13 – 22 Oct ’43, Major Sawyer again led his coy successfully and showed remarkable coolness and efficiency as a leader in close contact with the enemy.

During the Ornito-Cerasola operations between 4 – 13 February 1944 the Bn was ordered to advance over the mountains at night and relieve another unit which had suffered heavy casualties and was being counter attacked on Mt Ornito. The situation was most indefinite, the conditions very difficult and the men tired. Major Sawyer led the leading coy forward under shell fire with great skill over un-reconnoitred ground and without guides and took over successfully in close contact with the enemy.

During the next few days his coy bore the brunt of the enemy counter attacks and almost continuous shelling. Throughout the operations in which the Bn took part in Italy, Major Sawyer was in the forefront leading his men in every action.

Previously he served continuously with the Bn from Jan 1943 to the end of the N. Africa campaign and took a leading part in the well known actions at Sidi N’Sir, Pichon and Bou Arada."

Originally he was recommended for the DSO.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "1st ARMY" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• - The London Gazette Issue 33942 published on the 23 May 1933
  - The London Gazette Issue 34290 published on the 2 June 1936
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36668 published on the 22 August 1944
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36850 published on the 19 December 1944
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37967 published on the 27 May 1947
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 39149 published on the 13 February 1951
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 39503 published on the 28 March 1952.
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 40443 published on the 29 March 1955
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 40975 published on the 11 January 1957
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 41268 published on the 31 December 1957
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 41672 published on the 31 March 1959
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 42897 published on the 15 January 1963
  - Dix Noonan Webb