Joseph Peart

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Norris Peart (12 February 1900 – 4 September 1942) was an officer in the New Zealand Military Forces and the fourth headmaster of King's College. He volunteered for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at the start of World War II and was killed at El Alamein during the Battle of Alam el Halfa at the age of 42.

Early life Peart was born at Collingwood in New Zealand on 12 February 1900 to Alfred and Salina Peart. He was an alumnus of Auckland Grammar School, and a graduate of Cambridge University. After graduation, Peart pursued a career in education.

Headmastership

In 1937, Peart was appointed as the fourth headmaster of King's College, an independent secondary school in Middlemore. During his tenure as headmaster, Peart was remembered by his students as being youthful and as being a disciplinarian.

Military service Shortly after the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Peart enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and was granted a commission as a major. The citation for this award read: "For outstanding leadership, bravery and determination. At El Mreir Depression on the night 21/22 July, 1942 Lieutenant Colonel Peart led his Battalion in the 6 (NZ) Infantry Brigade attack on El Mreir Depression ... During all the fighting Lieutenant Colonel Peart was constantly moving about among his men encouraging them and at all times setting a high example of courage and perseverance. It is due to his outstanding leadership, determination and sound judgement that the Battalion remains a fighting unit."

Legacy Joseph Peart is the eponym of Peart House, King's College.