The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

DelBoy

A housing scheme on the edge of RM Condor (the current home of 45 Commando) has 3 streets named after Marines with a plaque affixed to the fence of the relevant street.

CWGC
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: V C
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.

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

Oddly the date of death on the plaque isn't the same as CWGC/SNWM date?

(plaque is to left of photo on red fence)

Adam Brown · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 1:18 pm Post subject:

There is a memorial to Corporal Hunter V.C. outside Ocean Terminal in Leith.

We have it on the forum here

Adam