A “MARKED MAN.”

Waikato Times, Volume 120, Issue 19991, 15 September 1936, Page 4

A “MARKED MAN.”

EXCITING ARMY LIFE. WITH REVOLVER IN HAND. Now beyond the age limit for recall to the Colours, General Sir E. Peter Strickland has ceased to belong to the Reserve of Officers, says a London paper. j In a distinguished career he was with Kitchener at Khartoum, served in France, Egypt, and Burma, and was a “marked man” in Ireland. Sir Peter retired from active service in 1931, after more than 40 years in the Army, and at his home at Snettisham, in Norfolk, declared that he enjoyed every minute of his time. “They used to call me the strictest disciplinarian in the British Army,” he said. “I don’t know why. If I was strict, they never minded it; they never resented it. “What can I say about the young men in the Army to-day? “I haven’t seen much of the young men in the Army since I retired, but I’m sure they are all right.” When Sir Peter was in command of the 6th Division in Ireland from 1919 to 1922 the I.R.A. determined to “get him.” Making a Dash For It. He was travelling in mufti in a motor-car from Cork to Queenstown when a hail of bullets struck the car. He and the other officers with him returned the fusillade, and the ■chauffeur, although wounded, accelerated and got away. After that experience in Ireland Sir Peter always had a revolver at his hand. In barracks all visitors were closely cross-examined, and Sir Peter had a revolver on his desk. A sharpshooter was hidden behind a red curtain across one corner of the room.

When a prisoner was asked why there was such a “dead set” against Sir Peter, the reply was: “He has become so well liked with the Irish that we fear him more than the rest of the Black and Tans put together.” Sir Peter’s home, near Sandringham, was visited several times by King George and Queen Mary. He was both neighbour and friend of the late King.

His wife was niece of the late Sir William Ffolkes, of Hillington, an old friend of King Edward Vll.