During the final weeks of the Second World War in Europe, Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter, aged 21, serving with C Troop, 43 Royal Marine Commando, displayed exceptional bravery near Lake Comacchio in northern Italy. Facing heavy fire from German forces, Hunter charged alone across open ground, drawing enemy fire and clearing houses occupied by enemy soldiers.
Hunter then positioned himself in full view of concrete pillboxes across the canal, deliberately drawing the attack towards himself to allow his comrades to reach cover. He continued firing until he was killed by machine-gun fire. His Victoria Cross citation stated there was "no doubt" he had offered himself as a target to save his troop.
Born in Aldershot on 6 October 1923 and raised in Edinburgh, Hunter worked as an apprentice stationer before joining the Royal Marines in 1942. He was serving with 43 Royal Marine Commando during the Allied campaign in northern Italy as part of Operation Roast, launched on 1 April around Lake Comacchio.
The operation aimed to seize land separating the lake from the Adriatic Sea and neutralise German positions in the flat, exposed landscape. Hunter, in charge of the Bren gun group, recognised the danger posed by enemy troops and made the decisive choice to place himself between the enemy and his advancing comrades.
His actions enabled many Royal Marines to reach cover and continue towards their objective. The citation praised his "magnificent courage, leadership and cheerfulness" as an inspiration. Operation Roast continued for three days, with the 2nd Commando Brigade achieving its objectives despite heavy casualties.
Corporal Hunter was the only Royal Marine awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War and remains the most recent recipient. His medal is part of the Royal Navy Museums collection and will be displayed at the new Royal Marines Experience at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Hunter’s medal survives as evidence of an extraordinary act, but it also preserves the story of a 21-year-old who recognised the danger facing the people around him and chose to place himself in its path.
