170426 Peter Michael HESLOP, MC, 72 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery

Personal Number: 170426
Rank: Lieutenant
Name: Peter Michael HESLOP, MC
Unit: Royal Artillery


London Gazette : 21 February 1941
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35082/supplement/1068/data.pdf
INFANTRY.
The undermentioned Cadets, from 170th O.C.T.U., to be 2nd Lts. ist Feb. 1941: —
R. North'd Fus.
Peter Michael HESLOP (170426).

London Gazette : 17 February 1942
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35458/supplement/762/data.pdf
ROYAL REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY.
The undermentioned 2nd Lts. to be 2nd Lts., retaining their present seniority: —
15th Jan. 1942:—-
From R. North'd Fus.: —
P. M. Heslop (170426).

London Gazette : 11 February 1943
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35898/supplement/744/data.pdf
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa:—
The Military Cross.
Lieutenant Peter Michael Heslop (170426), Royal Regiment of Artillery (Newcastle).

London Gazette : 10 August 1943
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36125/supplement/3580/data.pdf
REGULAR ARMY.
EMERGENCY COMMISSIONS.
ROYAL REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY.
The undermentioned War Subs. Lts. relinquishes their commns. on account of ill-health, and are granted the hon. rank of Lt.:—
10th Aug. 1943:—
P. M. HESLOP (170426) (caused by wounds).

London Gazette : 21 October 1952
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39673/supplement/5520/data.pdf
ARMY CADET FORCE.
Northumberland.
Peter Michael HESLOP, M.C. (170426), to be Lt., 10th July 1952.

London Gazette : 1 January 1965
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/43536/supplement/78/data.pdf
ARMY CADET FORCE
Northumberland
Lt. P. M. HESLOP (170426) resigns his commn., 20th Nov. 1964, and is granted the hon. rank of Maj.

London Gazette : 30 July 1965
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/43724/supplement/7230/data.pdf
The following officers are awarded the Cadet Forces Medal:
ARMY CADET FORCE
Northumberland
Lt. (A/Maj.) P. M. HESLOP, M.C. (170426).

 

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7347221
Reference: WO 373/1/12
Name Heslop, Peter Michael
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 170426
Regiment: Royal Regiment of Artillery
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia)
Award: Military Cross
Date of announcement in London Gazette: 11 February 1943

Divisional Artillery, 6th Armoured Division, 5 Corps
170426 Lieutenant Peter Michael HESLOP, 72nd Anti-Tank Regiment, ROYAL ARTILLERY

MEDJEZ-EL-BAB, 10th December 1942

A number of tanks approached MEDJEZ-EL-BAB, on TUNIS road, some remaining behind in hull down positions. These were engaged by Lieutenant HESLOP's gun which was spotted and engaged by several enemy tanks with Besa and shell fire.

Every member of the gun detachment was hit including two who were killed. The gun was eventually knocked out.

Three direct hits from Anti-Personnel shell and many Besa hits were subsequently found when the gun was examined.

Lieutenant HESLOP observed fire from 3 yards to the flank throughout and behaved with the utmost coolness and confidence. He subsequently managed to evacuate the wounded.

First-hand evidence from the Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS is attached.

Shortly afterwards 3 GRENADIER Carriers came up to the farm on the opposite of the TUNIS road in order to evacuate their Officer who was wounded. They drew fire off Lieutenant HESLOP and he very coolly seized the opportunity to drive the field artillery tractor down to MEDJEZ to safety. I was watching him from the far and witnessed this final act and consider that his conduct throughout was quite exceptional.

Signed Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 72nd Anti-Tank Regiment, ROYAL ARTILLERY

Granted M.C.

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Report on gallant conduct of Lieutenant P.M. HESLOP, ROYAL ARTILLERY
From: Lieutenant-Colonel A.G.W. HEBER-PERCY, GRENADIER GUARDS
To: Lieutenant-Colonel Colin DAVIDSON, ROYAL ARTILLERY

MEDJEZ-EL-BAB, 10th December 1942.

In the afternoon of 10th December the Germans made a reconnaissance in force of the defences of MEDJEZ EL BAB. My Battalion was still in the process of moving up into the line, and was only at quarter strength when the Germans attacked. Thus the defence of this vital point fell on a Battalion of FRENCH ZOUAVES, which were inadequately armed, and on a small number of British 6- pounder Anti-Tank guns.

Lieutenant HESLOP's 6-pounder was sited in the most crucial sector, covering the main TUNIS-MEDJEZ road. About ten German tanks approached the position, and opened fire with Besa and shell fire, concentrating their main effort on Lieutenant HESLOP's position. His gun team continued to fire back at a high rate, scoring several hits under the personal direction of Lieutenant HESLOP, who remained cool and efficient throughout the action. Eventually the Germans landed a shell on the gun itself, killing two of the crew, and wounding the remainder.

Now that his gun was out of action, Lieutenant HESLOP turned his attention to his men, and although defenceless and subjected to intense fire, he saw to the evacuation of his casualties, and did not leave the position, until they had all been cared for, and he himself had drive off the field artillery tractor, even returning to collect the small arms which had been left on the position.

I personally witnessed the whole of the section, and in my opinion Lieutenant HESLOP's gallantry was largely responsible for preventing the Germans over-running the position. He was a great inspiration not only to his own men and the ZOUAVES, but also to my own Battalion whose first action this was.

I consider that Lieutenant HESLOP deserves without question the award of the M.C.

Signed A.G.W. HEBER-PERCY, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, Medjez el Bab, 20th December 1942.