On Sunday 2nd April 2023, on the invitation of the Royal Marines Association – Edinburgh branch, along with my family, I attended the 78th Anniversary parade and subsequent reception of Royal Marine VC recipient Thomas Peck Hunter at his memorial at Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh.
This was a poignant and thought-provoking event which was very well attended by the RMA veterans from across Scotland and supported by both the Edinburgh Leith and Trinity branches of the Sea Cadets.
It was also great to see a lot of ‘old’ familiar faces and share ‘dits’ at the reception afterwards which was ably hosted by the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Club, Broughton, Edinburgh.
Although born in Aldershot, Thomas was raised and schooled in Edinburgh. Thomas was the recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
The full story of why Thomas was awarded the VC can be found below in this RMA Edinburgh video.