Geoffrey Sylvester Peren

Geoffrey Sylvester Peren
Born (1892-11-30)30 November 1892
Streatham, Surrey, England
Died 19 July 1980(1980-07-19) (aged 87)
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Allegiance New Zealand New Zealand
Service/branch New Zealand Military Forces
Rank Brigadier
Commands held 4th Division
Battles/wars

First World War

Second World War
Awards Order of the British Empire
Military Cross
Croix de guerre

Sir Geoffrey Sylvester Peren KBE (30 November, 1892–19 July, 1980) was a New Zealand soldier, agricultural scientist, university professor and agricultural college principal.

Biography

Peren was born in Streatham, Surrey, England in 1892.[1] He served on the Western Front during the World War I and was decorated for bravery with Military Cross for his actions during the Battle of the Somme. Peren also received French Croix de guerre with Star.

He was chair of Agriculture at Victoria University College (now Victoria University of Wellington) but left to be foundation principal of Massey Agricultural College (now Massey University) in 1927.[2] During World War II he commanded the 2nd Brigade for part of 1941 and 1942, and the 4th Division for parts of 1942 and 1943 and eventually reached the rank of brigadier.[1] Following the war he played a major role in the development of the Perendale breed of sheep and also continued to serve in various Army and defence roles.[1]

In 1935, Peren was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal.[3] In the 1953 New Year Honours, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for services to agriculture.[4] Six years later in the 1959 New Year Honours he was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to agriculture, especially as head of Massey Agricultural College.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Peren, Roger. "Geoffrey Sylvester Peren". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved December 2011. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  2. ↑ "Answering calls for higher education in agriculture from 1879 - Massey University". massey.ac.nz. 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
  3. ↑ "Official jubilee medals". The Evening Post. CXIX (105). 6 May 1935. p. 4. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
  4. ↑ London Gazette (supplement), No. 39735, 30 December 1952. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  5. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 41591. p. 42. 1 January 1959. Retrieved 17 November 2013.


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