Peter was an enthusiastic Army Cadet and joined the Army at the age of 20. Medically discharged after a knee injury in 1987, he joined the Police as a senior radio operator. Since retiring, Peter has developed PTSD and other health conditions that affect his mobility. Our grant of £1,500 towards the costs of a large electrically-propelled vehicle has given him his life back.
Peter grew up in Headington, near Oxford. An enthusiastic Army cadet from 13-18, he reached the rank of Colour Sergeant. At 16, Peter wanted to join the regular Army but his father wanted him to get an approved apprenticeship first. After qualifying as a bricklayer, aged 20, Peter started his Army service with the Royal Green Jackets (RGJ).
His first posting as a signaller in the infantry was to Northern Ireland with 3rd Battalion RGJ on a two-year residential tour which, in his words, was, “serious soldiering on an operational tour.” He then served in Cyprus.
After three years with the RGJ, Peter transferred to the Royal Engineers. He undertook an operational tour in the Falklands for six months during the conflict. Initially, he assisted with RAF Harrier support and was then deployed to Stanley to remove booby traps and mines in the area.
After a knee injury, Peter was medically discharged from the Army in 1987. He joined Test Valley police force, where he served for 30 years as a senior radio operator, controlling incidents and dealing with 999 calls. As Peter says:
“Whilst not being on the ground, I could hear tension in people’s voices and was the voice of calm. It was like being an Army radio operator, with constant stress of waiting for calls.”
During his time in the Police, he became an Army Cadet Force (ACF) Instructor for over 12 years, reaching the rank of Company Sergeant Major. He helped organise events and cadet camps, often attended by over 100 youngsters. His son also joined the ACF at 13, ultimately becoming Lord Lieutenant Cadet for Oxfordshire.
Since retiring, Peter developed PTSD. He says: “Whilst I have wound down from service life, it doesn’t stop the memories.” He has also developed other health conditions that affect his mobility. He has a small mobility scooter, but its limited battery prevented Peter from travelling any great distances, meaning he was effectively housebound most of the time.
Peter contacted our partner charity, SSAFA, whose caseworker visited his home. Together with an occupational health therapist, they agreed that Peter needed a larger mobility scooter. The ABF awarded a grant of £1,500 towards the costs of a large electrically propelled vehicle.
Peter is active in the veteran community, involved with organisations such as our partner charity, the Not Forgotten, assisting at their events for veterans. He helps raise funds locally for military charities and volunteers at the RGJ museum in Winchester. Peter was also involved with the project, 1475 Standing with Giants metal figures, representing those that lost their life on D Day, which were erected at the Normandy memorial for the 80th anniversary of D Day in June 2024.
Peter has vowed to continue fundraising for military charities and says:
“The new scooter has improved my mental health and physical wellbeing. I am now able to get out with my family and start to enjoy life again. I go to the shops with my wife, taking my dog, Monty with me. I can pop out for a coffee and meet my friends locally. I would like to thank the Army Benevolent Fund for your support in getting this scooter. It has really revolutionised my life.”