Newby was released from military service in December 1942, and then taught English Literature at King Fouad University in Cairo until 1946.

While at Radio 3, Newby is credited with increasing the amount of Classical music on the station without the need for controversial changes to schedules.

[4] In 1947, John Lehmann published Newby's boys' adventure story "The Spirit of Jem" with 41-line drawings and a colour dust wrap by Keith Vaughan.

In 1972, Newby was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his work as managing director of BBC Radio.

[4] In his obituary author, friend and colleague Anthony Thwaite states: "P. H. Newby was one of the best English novelists of the second half of the century.