Harold R. Peat

Who was Harold R. Peat?

Harold Reginald Peat was a Canadian soldier and author.

Born in Jamaica, and emigrated to Toronto with his mother, Peat was educated privately and at boarding school in Kingston, Jamaica. In August 1916 he married Louisa Watson Small. Louisa Watson Small was born in Keady, Armagh, Ireland and educated at Queens College, Belfast and the University of London. Private Peat was a memoir of his World War I experiences serving as a private in the 3rd Battalion of the First Canadian Contingent. The book was on the New York Times bestseller list in 1918 and 1919. A movie, directed by Edward jose' was made of the book, with Peat starring as himself, Miriam Fouche and William Sorelle acted in the movie with Peat. The screenplay was written by Charles E. Whittaker. The producer was Famous Players-Lasky Corporation

With their three daughters, Peat and his first wife, Louisa Watson Peat, toured the United States, both lecturing on the Redpath Chautauqua Circuit. Peat was also a contributor to various magazines and traveled to Australia and New Zealand during this period. One of several grandchildren, L. Peat O'Neil, is a travel writer and new media writer.