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Cpl Hunter, Victoria Cross, Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh

 
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Adam Brown
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Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 7312
Location: Edinburgh (From Sutherland)

PostPosted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:56 am    Post subject: Cpl Hunter, Victoria Cross, Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh Reply with quote

Cpl Tom Hunter VC Royal Marines Memorial
Location: In front of Ocean Terminal, Leith
OS Ref: NT 265 769

Although very visible from the road it is not very prominent for passing shoppers. I would have liked to seen it nearer the entrance.











Adam


Last edited by Adam Brown on Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:15 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Adam Brown
Curator


Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 7312
Location: Edinburgh (From Sutherland)

PostPosted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Corporal Hunter VC's CWGC details:

Name: HUNTER, THOMAS PECK
Initials: T P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Corporal
Regiment/Service: Royal Marines
Unit Text: No. 43 R.M. Commando.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 03/04/1945
Service No: CH/X 110296
Awards: VC
Additional information: Son of Ramsay and Mary Hunter, of Edinburgh.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: III, G. 20.
Cemetery: ARGENTA GAP WAR CEMETERY
Citation: 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.

and SNWM

Surname HUNTER
Firstname Thomas Peck
Service number CH/X110296
Date of death 03/04/1945
Decoration V.C.
Place of birth Aldershot Hampshire
Other
SNWM roll ROYAL NAVY AND ROYAL MARINES
Rank Cpl (Ty)
Theatre of death 43 R.M. Commando. Italy.

Adam
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Adam Brown
Curator


Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 7312
Location: Edinburgh (From Sutherland)

PostPosted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 7:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Corporal Hunter is mentioned in tonight's Edinburgh Evening News

Swinney pays tribute to uncle awarded VC

FINANCE Secretary John Swinney visited Edinburgh's Tynecastle High School today and spoke of his pride in his uncle, a former pupil who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

Tom Hunter, a corporal in the Royal Marines, was killed in action on April 3, 1945 - just days before the fighting in the Second World War ended in Europe.

He was posthumously awarded the VC, the highest award for gallantry bestowed by the UK and the Commonwealth. Corporal Hunter had been a pupil at Tynecastle and the school invited Mr Swinney to present prizes at its summer awards.

Mr Swinney said: "My uncle was an exceptionally brave man and a proud former pupil of Tynecastle High. It's a privilege to continue that association."



Adam
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Adam Brown
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Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 7312
Location: Edinburgh (From Sutherland)

PostPosted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:17 pm    Post subject: Victoriacross Reply with quote

This memorial to the only Royal Marine to be awarded a Victoria Cross during the Second World War was unveiled on 15th June 2002.

It was dedicated at a ceremony attended by his family, civic and military representatives.

It began with a parade by the band of the Royal Marines Scotland, and involved a wreath-laying ceremony, hymn singing and a two-minute silence

Edinburgh Lord Provost Eric Milligan, who unveiled the memorial, paid tribute to the marine's bravery, as did 43 Commando Association president Lieut Gen Sir Robin Ross, and Mr Hunter's sister Nancy Swinney.

The Scottish Commando Association raised the £7,000 cost of the memorial.
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stuartn



Joined: 13 Dec 2016
Posts: 2551

PostPosted: Thu Feb 21, 2019 10:31 pm    Post subject: Additional Memorial Reply with quote

See also the 43 Commando Memorial at Eastney, Hampshire- WMR reference 21415
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