The Haileybury Society is saddened to learn of the death of Lt. Col. Peter Brian Fairgrieve (K 65) who has died on 18th March 2022, aged 70 after a long battle with MS.
Northern Ireland
After Haileybury, where he played in the XV, Peter was commissioned into the Royal Green Jackets (RGJ) in July 1971. Serving initially a Pl Comd in A Coy 2 RGJ in Ballykelly, he was present in Londonderry on “Bloody Sunday” where A Coy, under Maj Simon Marriott, earned many compliments for their steadiness and restraint, not just from the chain of command but from independent and usually critical observers. Subsequently, he completed a secondment with 1st/2nd Gurkha Rifles (1973-76) in the Far East.
Staff college
Peter was to re-join 2 RGJ as Adjutant (1977-79) before going on to serve as Weapon Training Officer at RMAS. After Sandhurst, he attended Staff College (ASC 17) before going on the Staff in Headquarters Land Forces Cyprus. Returning to 2 RGJ in Warminster, Peter commanded Sp Coy detached in Netheravon. Subsequently he returned to the Staff, this time in a weapons appointment, SO2(W) ACDS OR (Land Systems), where he worked hard to iron out the early teething problems of the all-British SA80 Rifle. On promotion to Lt Col (1989) he joined the teaching staff at the Royal Military College of Science in Shrivenham.
Management consultancy
Peter left the Army in 1991 and was awarded an MBA from Cranfield (1991-2), after which he worked in Mexico and for MAST (Management and Skills Training) continuing his career in business. In his final career years, he worked as an MOD Civil Servant at Porton Down but his illness, from which he never recovered, ultimately forced him to retire.
Peter had two daughters, Samantha and Georgina, by his first wife, Rosemary. His second wife, June survives him along with his stepdaughter Katie and stepson Oliver. The Haileybury Society sends its condolences to all Peter’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Funeral
A private funeral will take place for Peter; the family welcomes donations to the MS Society as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.
In recognition of the expressed desire of friends and former colleagues there will be a Memorial Service where respects can be paid to Peter by the many people who loved or who served with him. This will be held on Friday, 29th April at 2pm at All Saints’ and St Mary’s Church, Townsend, Chitterne, Warminster BA12 0LS.
Photo: courtesy of the family & GDEVWH
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