Peter was born in he village of Elham, Kent in January 1920, the fourth of six children of Herbert and Thelma Buckwell. At that time his father had returned from serving in the army and was a farm labourer. Some time later the family moved to Folkestone, living in Shorncliffe Lane.
After completing his primary school education Peter passed the exams to become a pupil at the Harvey Grammar School.
Peter then joined the army and following training was sent to 2nd Battalion East Kents (The Buffs). The battalion was sent out to Egypt to become part of the 132nd Brigade In preparation for the Second Battle of EL Alamein. The battalion seconded to the New Zealand Division and their task was to move forward as silently as possible to create gaps in the border wire, moving past enemy positions to the Munassib Depression.
The need for silence was emphasised as the artillery could not be used and thus reveal the advance. When the attack began on 23rd October 1942 the neighbouring battalion, 5th Royal West Kents made too much noise, alerting the enemy. Nevertheless 2nd Buffs were able to bypass British minefields, advancing unopposed for over 4,000 yards.
Whilst occupying a position called Stony Ground, the battalion came under heavy fire. It was here that Major Peter Buckwell was killed. At the time he was one of the youngest men to hold the rank of Major in the British Army.
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