Peter was born on 1 March 1922 in Holborn, London to London born parents Henry (Harry) and Katherine (Kate) nee Barnett and he was the youngest of six children. In 1911, Harry was the licensed victualler manager of the Welsh Harp public house on Chandos Street, London. From 1915 he ran the Cheshire Cheese pub in Surrey Street, London before moving in 1921 to run the White Hart pub at 39 High Holborn and was listed as the licensed caterer there in the 1939 Register. On the same register, Peter is listed as seeking work and a volunteer air raid warden.

Peter died from wounds sustained whilst fighting with the 4th Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps in Italy.