Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Photo of Robert Gordon Hunter 1 – Additional Information courtesy of Annemarie Bruseker: Captain Gordon Hunter graduated from OAC in 1936 and was appointed immediately to the staff there. At the time of his enlistment he was assistant in agricultural economics at the college. He entered the army in December 1940 and went overseas in 1941 with the rank of Lieutenant. In England he conducted IQ tests at a holding unit for a time and joined the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry as a platoon commander after Dieppe. Later he was promoted to the rank of Captain and became second in command of a company.

Photo of Robert Gordon Hunter 2 – Additional Information courtesy of Annemarie Bruseker: When His Majesty King George VI inspected the regiment Captain Hunter commanded the guard of honour. He was president of the officers' mess of the regiment from 1943 until the time the unit went to France. Born at Grimsby, August 25, 1913, he attended school there before going to OAC. Besides his parents he leaves one brother, Lieutenant Fred C. Hunter, who returned from overseas recently after two years' service. He had been with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry also.

Photo of Robert Gordon Hunter 3 – Additional Information courtesy of Annemarie Bruseker: From a letter of consolation written to his mother: Gord was commanding the Company during an attack by our battalion on a small French village which was taken and held. We were ordered to dig in and prepare for counter-attacks. During this, the Company came under heavy enemy shellfire. One round landed right on the edge of the trench Gord was occupying and he was instantly killed by shrapnel in the back. During the whole operation he was a great source of confidence and encouragement to all by his fine leadership and consideration. As always, the men in the Company had the greatest respect and admiration for him. Your loss is appreciated and shared by us who knew him so well.

Newspaper Clipping – Source: Hamilton Spectator August 2, 1944