Peter was the elder son of Philip Beilby Beecroft and his wife, Ruby Kathleen Darlington. He was born in Leeds in the summer of 1919. Both of his parents came from Pontefract where their fathers were in management in the colliery trade. Philip Beecroft was a solicitor and was Town Clerk of High Wycombe. After he retired, he and his wife lived in Harrogate.
Peter sang, occasionally, in the Parish Church at Terriers, High Wycombe where his father was a churchwarden from 1937-39.
Although no record has been found, it is thought that he was at Christ Church Choir School.
Peter won the Spencer-Mellish Cup at Bisley in 1935.
He was a Major in 303 Bty., 76 Heavy Field Regt Royal Artillery when he was killed on 19 July 1944.
He is buried in Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados. Plot IVA M 7.
He is commemorated in St Francis of Assisi Church, Terriers.
A notice in The Times on 19 July 1946 said” Remembering always with love and pride our darling Peter, his cheerful courage and high purpose. Killed near Caen.
Mother, Dad and John.”