Before he joined up in April 1915, Peachment was an apprentice steam engine maker in Bury, Lancashire.

[2] Peachment was a private in the 2nd Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps, British Army during World War I at the Battle of Loos, on 25 September 1915 near Hulluch, France, when his actions led to the award of the Victoria Cross.

Peachment, seeing his Company Commander, Captain Dubs, lying wounded, crawled to assist him.

[3][4]Peachment at 18 years and 4 months was the second youngest army recipient of the VC in World War I, after John Cornwell.

[2] His medal is held in the Lord Ashcroft VC Collection at the Imperial War Museum.