Peter Young (historian) facts for kids

Brigadier Peter Young (born July 28, 1915 – died September 13, 1988) was a brave officer in the British Army. During the Second World War, he was known for his excellent service with the British Commandos.

After the war, he led a group called the Arab Legion. Later, he came back to England and worked in army offices. In 1959, he retired from the army as a Brigadier. He then became the head of Military History at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

In 1968, Peter Young started a group called The Sealed Knot. This group acts out events from the English Civil War. He also became a famous military historian and writer.

Early Life and Joining the Army

Peter Young was born in London. His parents were Dallas Hales Wilkie Young and Irene Barbara Lushington Mellor. He went to Monmouth School and then studied history at Trinity College, Oxford.

While at Oxford, Young joined the Territorial Army. In 1938, he became a second lieutenant. A year later, in 1939, he joined the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment as a full-time officer.

Serving in World War II

Peter Young joined the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. In late 1939, soon after the Second World War began, he went to France. His group was part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF).

During the Battle of France in May 1940, Young was hurt. His battalion was evacuated from Dunkirk. After he got better, Young chose to join the Commandos. He joined 3 Commando and took part in Operation Ambassador in July 1940.

He was promoted to lieutenant in August 1940. He stayed with the Commandos for the rest of the war. After several operations, including Operation Claymore and Operation Archery, he received the Military Cross (MC) for his bravery.

Key Commando Operations

Young became a captain. He worked at the Combined Operations Headquarters for a while. Then, he returned to 3 Commando as the second-in-command, with the temporary rank of major. In this role, he was part of Operation Jubilee, also known as the Dieppe Raid, in August 1942. For his actions there, he was given the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

Still with 3 Commando, Young took part in Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily. His unit was one of the first to land. For his part in this, he received his first bar to the MC. This meant he had earned the Military Cross again.

After Sicily, Young became the Officer Commanding (leader) of 3 Commando. He led them during the Allied invasion of Italy. Young and 3 Commando went back to England in October 1943. During this time, he earned a second bar to his MC.

In June 1944, Young was part of the Normandy landings. He was still with 3 Commando. After the Normandy campaign, he was promoted to temporary lieutenant-colonel. He was sent to the Far East as the second-in-command of the 3rd Commando Brigade. He held this job until the war ended. For a short time, he even led the brigade.

After the War

After the Second World War, Peter Young continued his army career. In 1953, he returned to the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. He became a company commander.

He didn't enjoy peacetime army duties as much. So, he was sent to join the Arab Legion. He led its 9th Regiment until 1956. For his service there, he received the Jordanian Order of Al Istiqlal. In 1956, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. He returned to England and worked in staff roles. He retired from the army in 1959 with the honorary rank of Brigadier.

Later Life and Historian Work

After leaving the army, Peter Young became the Head of Military History at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He worked there from 1959 to 1969. Then, he retired to focus on writing books.

He had already published two books about his own experiences, Bedouin Command and Storm from the Sea, while he was still in the army. With his love for history and his job at Sandhurst, he started writing history books. He was especially interested in the English Civil Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.

In 1968, he started the Sealed Knot. This group acts out battles and events from the English Civil Wars. His writing career continued until he passed away. He also worked as a history expert for several TV shows. He became a Fellow of important groups like the Society of Antiquaries of London, the Royal Historical Society, and the Royal Geographical Society.

Peter Young died on September 13, 1988, in Twyning, near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

Personal Life

Peter Young married Joan Duckworth in 1950. She lived from 1916 to 1991. They did not have any children.

Selected Books by Peter Young

• Bedouin Command (his memories, 1959)
• Storm from the Sea (his memories, 1968)
• Edgehill 1642: the Campaign and the Battle (1968)
• Oliver Cromwell (1968)
• Marston Moor, 1644: The Campaign and the Battle (1970)
• Naseby 1645: the Campaign and the Battle (1985)
• Decisive Battles of the Second World War: an Anthology (as editor) (1969)
• D-Day (1993)