Location
In the Memorial Garden beside the main path.
 

Memorial
Memorial to 42 (RM) Commando
 
Inscription

43
ROYAL MARINES
1943/45 COMMANDO 1961/1968
2nd Battalion Royal Marines
1940-1943
Dedicated in memory of
FALLEN COMRADES
And
THOSE WHO SERVED WITH US
IN
JUGOSLAVIA and ITALY
Cpl. Tom Hunter V.C.
Royal Marines
Comacchio, N.Italy 1945
We will remember them
21st June 1998
Comacchio Group, Royal Marines.


 

FURTHER INFORMATION:
 
Their first operation was the January 1944 landing at Anzio in Italy, where they later fought on the Garigliano front before transfer to the Adriatic the subsequent return to North Italy.
 
Cpl T.P.HUNTER V.C. is buried at ARGENTA GAP WAR CEMETERY, ITALY.
 
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.
 
Additional Information: Son of Ramsay and Mary Hunter, of Edinburgh.
 
Cemetery: ARGENTA GAP WAR CEMETERY Italy Grave or Reference Panel Number: III, G. 20.
 
These and other details can be found by searching against his name at www.cwgc.org.
 
The medal is currently held by the Royal Marines Museum: www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk

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