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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 722

(x) A Superb 1st Polish Armoured Division photograph album presented by the unit to Brigadier Sir C. H. M. Peto, D.S.O., Chief Liaison Officer, 21st Army Group, late Lieutenant-Colonel, 9th Lancers

Photograph Album, bound in brass and engraved 'To Brigadier Christopher Peto Chief Liaison Officer 21st Army Group In grateful recognition of his friendships and work on behalf of the 1st Polish Armoured Division', comprising 57 annotated images, good very fine

[D.S.O.] London Gazette 8 November 1945.

Christopher Henry Maxwell Peto was born at Chertsey, Surrey on 19 February 1897, the son of Mary and Sir Basil Peto, 1st Baronet of Barnstaple. Educated at Harrow followed by the Royal Military Academy he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant into the 9th Lancers on 11 August 1915. He was 'mentioned' and seriously wounded in 1918 but remained in service being advanced Captain in 1923.

Joining the 9th Lancers as a Lieutenant-Colonel in October 1938 he was mobilised with the unit on the outbreak of war and posted to France in 1940. Awarded the D.S.O. for his actions during the Retreat to Dunkirk, Peto was wounded in the action, whilst engaging the enemy at close range, the Regimental History outlines the circumstances:

'Major MacDonell seeing the head and face of a German popping out of the ground periodically about three hundred yards from the Regimental Headquarters, suggested an investigation. Lieutenant-Colonel Peto agreed and led the reconnaissance accompanied by Major MacDonell's tank and two scout cars. They opened fire on twelve slit trenches full of enemy infantry. After ten minutes the Germans crawled out and surrendered. The "bag" was one officer and forty-three other ranks. We had found it impossible to depress the guns on our tanks sufficiently to bear, and Lt-Col Peto, firing from his turret with his pistol, was badly wounded in the right hand. He carried on until the Germans surrendered, and was then evacuated.'

Peto's commander was taken prisoner of war with the Highland Division and as such the recommendation was not made until the end of the war. After being evacuated he was appointed Commander of the 29th Armoured Brigade being advanced Colonel on 28 November 1941. Transferring to the 137th Armoured Brigade before being appointed Chief Liaison Officer on 22 May 1945 he served in that role in North-Western Europe. In this position Peto was thrice mentioned (London Gazette 22 March 1945, 9 August 1945, 8 November 1945) and served alongside the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He retired as Honorary Brigadier on 27 November 1946.

The Regimental History sums up Peto's Career:

'His was the responsibility of showing all ranks how to behave under fire, and so much depends upon the leadership the first time men go into battle. His calm and fearless example was an inspiration to all, and laid the foundation of the enthusiasm and steadiness which the regiment so consistently displayed throughout the war. He commanded with conspicuous ability in the fantastic operations south of the Somme until a severe wound obliged him to be evacuated. He earned the D.S.O. for his services in France in 1940, though this was not known until Major-General Victor Fortune, Commander of the 51st Highland Division, was able to make his recommendations on his return from captivity in Germany. These he backed up by a personal visit to the War Office. Those who did not take part can have little idea of a commanding officer's difficulties during those two years. Many were caused by failure in higher places to foresee more accurately the type of equipment which would be required, to provide it in time, and to settle with less vacillation the organisation of the troops who would use it. Luckily for the regiment, Chris Peto had, and has, an inexhaustible fund of humour and an irrepressible spirit. These, he would be the first to admit, have sometimes got him into trouble, but they were invaluable assets through those years of exasperating trial. He did not come back after his recovery, but was promoted to the command of armoured brigade. The Regiment owes him a debt.'

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate

Starting price
£320