Born in Galgate on 29 March 1913 Robert was a twin of William Peat (see later in this work), and he had a brother John, who was killed at Arnhem, a sister Jessie and another sister Gracie, who died tragically in 1941.

Robert’s father had died in the 1920s and the family, headed by mum Alice lived at “Sunnydale”, number 1 Vernon Park, Galgate.

Robert served in the 4th Border Regiment - It is uncertain exactly when he joined up but was a baize and leather worker beforehand.

Robert was killed in December 1941 during operations around Tobruk during operation “Crusader”, specifically in the actions around El Duda in a hurried attack on German positions.

According to the family, he was a cook with his unit and was normally in rear areas. His obituary reads:

'Peat. Robert. Private . . Border Regiment, killed in action in the Middle East, 1942. Son of Mr & Mrs Peat, Vernon Park, Galgate. His twin brother is with the King's Own Royal Regiment in England, and another brother, John, is in the army. Buried at Tobruk, Libya' - Lancaster Guardian, date 2, January 1942 page 8.