[1] He became a cadet in the Colonial Service in British Malaya in 1897 and was soon promoted to Acting District Officer of Nibong Tebal in 1898 and Bukit Mertajam in 1899 and Province Wellesley until 1901.

In 1919, he was appointed as joint passage controller of labour for the Federated Malay States and Straits Settlements in 1920; and chairman of European Unemployment Committee in 1921.

Also, Peel presided over the construction of a Governor's Retreat in Fanling, in the New Territories.

Peel married to Violet Mary Drake, daughter of the late W. D. Laing by whom he had two sons.

In addition, the Violet Peel Health Centre was named after his wife.