Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Force 136 attached 20 Indian Division

Awarded on:

November 16th, 1944

Citation:
"Major Peacock was in command of a special force of Burmans and Karens which, shortly before the Japanese advance started, was sent on 13 March 1944 to watch the approaches from Yuwa into the Kabaw Valley. On 23 March 1944, the day before this long-distance patrol was due to withdraw, one of his officers, Captain J. Gibson, a very heavy man, was very seriously injured by a grenade, and had to be carried back over very difficult country by slow stages. On arrival at his old camp site at the Yu river crossing Peacock, whose wireless had failed to function for several days, discovered that the enemy were in possession of Tamu and Hesin, and between him and Moreh, and was uncertain how far out his own troops had withdrawn. It was imperative to get assistance quickly for Gibson who was left hidden at the Yu River crossing with food and water while Peacock and his party, by now considerably exhausted, made their way through the jungle via the northern flank of Moreh to Sibong where he contacted our forces again. In spite of his considerable exhaustion and the effects of heatstroke from which he was suffering, Peacock's sole concern was the safety and rescue of Gibson. He wasted no time in going to Moreh and after consultation with the commander of the Moreh garrison, left Moreh the next night with an escort of Gurkhas and two Karens to fetch in Gibson. At this time considerable enemy forces, including tanks and guns, were in the Nakala, Tamu and Hesin areas, but no exact information was available. Without thought for his personal safety and knowing that speed was vital to Gibson's safety, he took this party successfully under cover of darkness straight through Tamu and Hesin villages to the Yu River crossing, and the same night safely brought back Gibson who was still alive. It was entirely due to Peacock's dogged determination, drive, unselfishness and great courage that Gibson's life was saved."

WO 373/34/230

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Africa Colonial Forces Section attached Force 136

Awarded on:

September 20th, 1945

Citation:
"In March 1945 Lieutenant Colonel Peacock, after having been parachuted into enemy territory, raised and commanded a group of Karen guerrillas operating in the mountainous country NE of Pegu. On 13 April he was warned that a Japanese division was moving along an axis running close to his base. The enemy's objective was to link up with the main enemy forces in order to deny us a vital airfield and communications centre. Within twenty-four hours Colonel Peacock had established a number of roadblocks. During the following ten days, by skilful handling of his guerrilla and a nicely time series of demolitions, he succeeded in preventing the link-up of the Japanese forces. The objective was now in our hands. In this short period his guerrillas killed 114 of the enemy, destroyed a large amount of transport and blew six bridges. Credit for this outstanding performance must go largely to Colonel Peacock whose gallant leadership and sound tactical judgement have been important contributory factors in the success of the main operations."

Second MC awarded as a bar.
WO 373/41/10

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Awarded on:

November 7th, 1946

Citation (general):
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services whilst engaged in special operations in South East Asia."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Royal Artillery 54 Nyassaland Battery attached Force 136

Awarded on:

September 25th, 1947

Citation:
"During the period under review this officer, who parachuted with a party into the Pyagawpu QB 63 area in February 1945, has been in command of Operation Otter operating on the Toungoo Mawchi Road which has raised local levies who have killed 2,743 enemy troops and destroyed 94 MT. Besides giving much intelligence of great value to 14 and 12 Army HQ, Lieutenant Colonel Peacock has displayed leadership, organising ability and tact in handling the locals, worthy of very high commendation. The outstanding courage and resource of this officer within two months turned a small hunted party into the controlling force over a wide area."

WO 373/104/88