David Peter Lafayette Hunter
| David Peter Lafayette Hunter | |
|---|---|
| Born |
24 November 1919 Stelling Minnis, Kent |
| Died | 5 September 2001 (aged 81) |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Marines
|
| Years of service | 1937–1967 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | Royal Marines |
| Commands held | 40 Commando |
| Battles/wars | Malayan Emergency |
| Awards |
Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
David Peter Lafayette Hunter MC (24 November 1919 – 5 September 2001) was a Royal Marines officer who was prisoner of war captive in Colditz Castle during the Second World War. He later served as the commanding officer of 40 Commando, and was a recipient of the Military Cross.
David Peter Lafayette Hunter was born at Minnis Hall, Stelling Minnis, Kent on 24 November 1919. He was the third son of Major Edgar Lafayette Hunter MC and Dorothy Thompson.
He was educated at Shrewsbury.
Hunter joined the Royal Marines in 1937 and passed out at Deal, Kent just before the outbreak of World War II. On 2 Feb 1940 he was made probationary Lieutenant.
He was posted to the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk patrolling waters around Iceland. The Norfolk was bombed whilst at Scapa Flow on 16 March 1940 and sent to the Clyde for repair. Hunter was redeployed to Chatham where he was selected for the Calais force as part of the BEF.
Hunter was part of Captain Darby Courtice's company of 85 Royal Marines which landed at Calais shortly after midnight on 25 May 1940. With one other officer, Lt Hugh Bruce, they were charged with helping French marines to defend the ancient citadel at the centre of the town.
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