‘He behaved as one who knew no fear’

THE work he has done in France is so extraordinary that it needs special telling.

He came out with a division in October 1914, when he had more than a whole brigade to minister to, and did it marvellously.

Gradually, he found his way to the vocation of sharing and daring all things with his men, and rushed into shell fire if only they were there – companion in risk and minister to the wounded

At the battle of Festubert, feeling that he was unfit for his ministry in that he had never shared the lot of his flock in going over the top, he led one of his battalions over with a walking stick.

He fell badly wounded in four places, and refused attention or removal till all others had been cared for.

The value of his work and the impression made on the troops was shown by his colonel’s asking his successor to continue Peel’s work and life in the trenches.

When he returned to active service he lived in the line with his men, and in action went over with the third wave, tending thus all that had fallen before, in the open.

Again, he behaved as one who knew no fear.

All the while his work as priest was as remarkable as his courage.

His example in self-sacrifice helped and inspired his brother-chaplains beyond telling.

Finally, in a ghastly village taken and retaken by German and Briton, he went out into the open to visit a post or wounded man lying out – it is not known which – and was shot dead by a sniper.