WHEELOCK Peter Harold

The following information has been researched by and is courtesy of John Barry:
1939 Register
Abbotsfield, Malvern
Harry Wheelock, born 17th July 1878, Stock Broker
Edith Wheelock, born 21st April 1880, Unpaid Domestic Duties
R*** Wheelock, born 7th August 1919, Territorial Army G***

Army Casualty List
Previously reported Wounded now reported Died of Wounds
King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
Wheelock T/Maj P.H. (Wounded 18.7.44) Died 21.7.44

Unknown Newspaper 5th August 1944
Death of Major Wheelock
The death has occurred on the Normandy battle front of Major Peter Harold Wheelock, K.S.L.I., second son of Mr and Mrs Harry Wheelock, Fairfield, Kingsland. In the recent heavy fighting Major Wheelock was severely wounded. Hopes of his recovery, springing from his gallant resistance, were doomed to disappointment, and he passed away. His family received official notification that he had been wounded, but next morning a letter of tribute to Major Wheelock’s qualities and sympathy with the bereaved came from a comrade giving the first news that he had died.
Major Wheelock was 27 years of age, and was one of three brothers in a family of nine. He was educated at Uppingham and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he won Second Class Honours in Economics, and gained his M.A. degree. He took his commission in the Army from the University in 1938, and from the first showed high promise. For some three years he was with his battalion of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry in the West Indies, winning high commendation for his work as he did in special duties at home.
He was among those who went to Normandy in the earliest days of the invasion in June, and had taken his able and courageous share in the subsequent fighting. For that share he was granted the immediate award of the Military Cross, as was announced to him in a highly complimentary letter from his Divisional General.
As a regimental officer Major Wheelock was greatly esteemed by his men, recognising as they did his keen interest in their welfare.
Major Wheelock took an intensive interest in Herefordshire. He owned a small estate – The Lea, at Upper Sapey – and being engaged to be married, it had been his intention after the war to settle down there and take an active share in the life of the community.
A memorial service for Major Wheelock was held at Kingsland Church on Thursday.

Unknown Newspaper 12th August 1944
Kingsland
Memorial service – A memorial service for the late Major Wheelock, M.C., son of Mr and Mrs Wheelock, of Fairfield, Kingsland, who was killed in action in Normandy, was held at Kingsland Parish Church on Wednesday of last week. It was conducted by the Rector (Preb. G.H. Jobling), assisted by the Rev. G. R. M. Ellwood (Aymestrey) and the Rev. J.W. Peppercorn (Upper Sapey). The impressive service, consisted of readings of portions of the burial office, Psalm 15 and special prayers and hymns. The large congregation included Mr and Mrs Wheelock and other member’s of Major Wheelock’s family.

Probate 1944
Wheelock Peter Harold of Fairfield Kingsland Herefordshire died 21 July 1944 on war service Probate Oxford 21 November to Harry Wheelock stockbroker. Effects £9352 1s. 9d.