John Priestman (British Army officer) facts for kids

Major General John Hedley Thornton Priestman (born 22 July 1885 – died 22 February 1964) was a very important officer in the British Army. He served for many years and fought in major wars, earning several special awards for his bravery and leadership.

Early Life and Family

John Hedley Thornton Priestman was born on 22 July 1885. His father was J. Priestman. In 1915, John married Hilda Louise. They had two children, a son and a daughter. Sadly, their son, John Reeve Thornton, was killed in action in North Africa in 1943 while serving in the Army.

Joining the Army and Early Ranks

John Priestman started his military journey in 1904. He joined a volunteer group called the 6th Battalion, the Manchester Regiment. A year later, in 1905, he officially became an officer in the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. He started as a second lieutenant.

He quickly moved up the ranks:

• In 1910, he became a lieutenant.
• He worked as an Adjutant, helping with daily tasks and training, from 1910 to 1913.
• On 4 August 1914, he became a captain.
• He continued to earn promotions, becoming a major in 1923.

Service in World War I

John Priestman played a big part in the First World War. During the war, he was wounded while on duty. He was also mentioned in official reports three times for his brave actions.

He received several important awards:

• The French Croix de guerre, a French military honor.
• The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in 1917, for excellent leadership in battle.
• The Military Cross, for bravery during active operations.

During the war, he held several key roles:

• He taught young cadets at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
• He worked as a Staff Captain and later a brigade major in France.
• He became a General Staff Officer for the 2nd Division in France.

Between the World Wars

After the First World War ended in 1918, John Priestman continued his military career.

• He returned to the Royal Military College as a General Staff Officer.
• He also attended important military schools, like the Staff College, Camberley (1921-1922) and the Imperial Defence College (1929). These schools helped him learn more about military strategy and leadership.
• He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1924.

Leadership in the Middle East and World War II

In 1934, John Priestman was given command of the 13th Brigade. This brigade served in places like Egypt, Palestine, and Trans-Jordan. He was in charge during the Arab revolt in Palestine. This was a time of conflict in the region.

He continued to rise in rank and responsibility:

• In 1937, he was promoted to Major General. This is a very high rank in the army.
• He also served as an Aide-de-Camp to the King, which meant he was a personal assistant to the King for military matters.
• In 1938, he became the Colonel of the Lincolnshire Regiment. This was a special honor.

As Second World War approached, he took on more important commands in the United Kingdom:

• In September 1938, he became the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 54th (East Anglian) Infantry Division.
• In February 1941, he became the GOC of the Essex County Division.

John Priestman retired from the army in October 1941.

Awards and Later Life

For his long and distinguished service, John Priestman received more honors:

• He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1938.
• He became a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 1939.

Major General John Priestman passed away on 22 February 1964, at his home in Hertford.