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Corporal THOMAS PECK HUNTER

Service Number: CH/X 110296
Regiment & Unit/Ship

Royal Marines

No. 43 R.M. Commando.

Date of Death

Died 03 April 1945

Age 21 years old

Buried or commemorated at

ARGENTA GAP WAR CEMETERY

III, G. 20.

Italy

S&ERM Visit to WMA - 9-12 February 2009: Argenta Gap War Cemetery, Italy

Photographer: S&ERM

  • Country of Service United Kingdom
  • Awards Victoria Cross
  • Additional Info Son of Ramsay and Mary Hunter, of Edinburgh.
  • Personal Inscription MEMORIES TO-DAY ARE SAD TO RECALL WITHOUT GOOD-BYE HE LEFT US ALL
  • Additional Citation note

    The London Gazette of 13th June, 1945, gives the following details: In Italy Corporal Hunter of "C" Troop of a Royal Marine Commando was in charge of a Bren group of the leading sub-section. Having advanced to within 400 yards of the final objective he realised that his troop had to cross open ground where enemy fire would cause heavy casualties. Corporal Hunter seized the Bren gun and charged across 200 yards of open ground, attracting most of the enemy fire. Showing complete disregard for this fire he alone cleared the enemy position, capturing six Germans. The remainder fled over the canal. The troop now became the target for fire from the opposite bank. In full view, Corporal Hunter fired and drew most of the enemy fire while the greater part of the troop gained cover. Shouting encouragement to the remainder he continued firing with great accuracy until finally he was hit and killed. There can be no doubt that Corporal Hunter offered himself as a target in order to save his troop. By the skilful and accurate use of his Bren gun he demoralised the enemy, and later silenced many of the Spandaus firing on his troop, so that many of the troop made their final objective before he was killed. Throughout the operation his magnificent courage, leadership and cheerfulness had been an inspiration to his comrades.

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Buried or commemorated at