he used his Bren gun is proved by the way he demoralised the
enemy, and later did denitely silence many of the Spandaus ring
on his Troop as they crossed open ground, so much so that under
his covering re elements of the Troop made their nal objective
before he was killed.
Throughout the operation his magnicent courage, leadership and
cheerfulness had been an inspiration to his comrades.
King George VI presented his VC to his parents at a private investiture
on 26 September 1945 at Holyrood House. In September 1974 the
medal was donated by his sister and nephew to the Royal Marines
Museum in Southsea, where all 10 Royal Marines VCs are securely
stored, the medal on display there being a copy.
Hunter was buried at the Argenta Gap (CWGC) War Cemetery, Emilia-
Romagna in plot III.G.20.
Memorials:
Thomas was the only Second World War Victoria Cross recipient from
the Royal Marines and in memory of his brave actions, they have
named a number of buildings, memorials and organisations after him.
The following is a current list:
- Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh, Scotland – Memorial to Thomas Hunter
- Royal Marines Museum, Eastney – Personal display in medal room
and also named on 43 Commando memorial in the museum’s Memorial
Garden.
- Memorial at Porto Garibaldi, Italy – unveiled April 1992
www.voicesofwar.co.uk