Noel Beresford-Peirse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Noel Beresford-Peirse
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "BP" |
| Born | 22 December 1887 Ireland |
| Died | 14 January 1953 (aged 65) Salisbury, Wiltshire, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1907–1947 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-General |
| Service number | 4085 |
| Unit | Royal Artillery |
| Commands held | 4th Indian Infantry Division 5 August 1940 – 13 April 1941 Western Desert Force (14 April 1941 – 18 September 1941) British Troops in Sudan & Sudan Defence Force (4 October 1941 – 3 April 1942) XV Indian Corps (9 April 1942 – 9 June 1942) Southern Army, India (1942–1945) |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Mentioned in Despatches (3) |
Lieutenant-General Sir Noel Monson de la Poer Beresford-Peirse (December 22, 1887 – January 14, 1953) was a high-ranking officer in the British Army. He was known by his nickname "BP". He played an important role in both World War I and World War II.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Noel Beresford-Peirse was born in Ireland. His father was Colonel William John de la Poer Beresford-Peirse. Noel went to two important schools. These were Wellington College, Berkshire and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. These schools helped prepare him for a career in the army.
After his education, he joined the Royal Artillery. This is a part of the army that uses large guns. Noel was also related to a famous naval officer, Admiral John Beresford. He was married three times during his life. He did not have any children.
Military Career Before World War II
Noel Beresford-Peirse became an officer in the Royal Artillery in 1907. This means he officially joined the army as a leader.
Serving in World War I
He fought in the First World War. His service took him to several places. He was in Egypt in 1914. Then he moved to Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). After that, he returned to Egypt. Finally, he served in France and Belgium. He was recognized for his bravery. He was "Mentioned in Dispatches" and received the Distinguished Service Order in 1918. Being "Mentioned in Dispatches" means his actions were officially noted for being brave or important.
Between the Wars
After World War I, he continued his military training. He attended the Staff College, Camberley from 1924 to 1925. This college trains officers for important leadership roles. Until 1929, he worked in various roles within the Royal Artillery. He served in both France and Britain.
From 1929 to 1935, he held staff and administrative jobs in the UK. In 1937, he went to India for special duties. He then spent two years teaching at the Senior Officers' School in Belgaum, India. Before World War II began, he was a Brigadier in the Royal Artillery. He also served as an Aide-de-Camp to King George VI. This meant he was a personal assistant to the King.
Leading in World War II
When Second World War began, Beresford-Peirse was in Egypt. He was the Commander of Artillery for the Indian 4th Infantry Division. This division was a large group of soldiers.
Campaigns in North and East Africa
In August 1940, he was promoted. He took command of the entire 4th Indian Infantry Division. He led them in important campaigns. One was Operation Compass in North Africa. Another was the East African Campaign in Sudan. These were major military operations.
In March 1941, he was knighted. This meant he received the title of "Sir". He was given the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE). On April 14, 1941, he took command of the Western Desert Force. This force later became known as XIII Corps.
Commands in Sudan and India
From October 1941 to April 1942, he commanded British forces in Sudan. After that, he was put in charge of the Indian XV Corps. Then, from June 1942, he commanded the Southern Army in India. He held this important position until March 31, 1945.
Later Career and Retirement
After his command in India, Beresford-Peirse became the Welfare General of the India Command. He held this role from April 1945 to 1946. He retired from the army on June 13, 1947. He joined the Regular Army Reserve of Officers. Noel Beresford-Peirse passed away in 1953.
