Teesdale Mercury 23.08.1916 - Page 5: Column 1

Corporal Will Peat, Galgate Barnard Castle, wounded 08/08

Awarded the Military Medal on 2 September 1917 for the part he played in a daylight raid on an enemy position without supporting artillery barrage. On this occasion it was decided that stealth was more suitable than firepower, which would have removed the element of surprise. William successfully penetrated enemy lines and secured prisoners and information. The Medal and a wrist watch were presented by Major T. B. Heslop at a ceremony in the Music Hall, Barnard Castle on 22 February 1918. The Medal ceremony was reported in full in the Teesdale Mercury on 27 February 1918. The awarding of the Military Medal was reportedly also announced in the Teesdale Mercury in March of that year (article not yet found). 

Willam survived the war but received serious shrapnel wounds. He was a Major in the Home Guard in WW2. 

Teesdale Mercury 20.02.1918 - Page 5: Column 1

Sergeant William Peat to be presented with Military Medal