Lieutenant David M Hunter MC

David McGowen Hunter was commissioned into the Royal Scots in June 1942, aged 19.

Lieutenant Hunter spent three months as an Instructor at the Division Battle School before volunteering in late 1943 for The Parachute Regiment.

Lt Hunter attended parachute training course number 101 at RAF Ringway between 31 January and 13 February 1944. His course report stated: ‘has been a good example to his section, good jumper.’

Lt Hunter was posted to A Company, 7th Parachute Battalion as company commander.

In June 1944 the Battalion enplaned for Normandy, to secure the bridges over the River Orne and the Caen Canal between Ranville and Benouville. Jumping in under heavy fire, Lt Hunter led his platoon over the bridges and into Benouville.

They encountered German troops, and Lt Hunter was wounded in the head and later in the arm. Despite losing blood, he continued to lead his platoon, an action which earned him an MC.

He was evacuated back to England, and within two weeks was able to return to duty.

Lt Hunter rejoined his battalion in Normandy, later taking part in the Ardennes campaign and the advance to the Baltic.

To read a personal account of Lt Hunter’s time in Normandy, please click on the link below.