Distinguished Flying Medal, (GV)., (Sergt. Mech. R.A.F.);,British War Medal, Victory Medal (Sgt. R.A.F.)
Hubert Cecil Hunt
Distinguished Flying Medal, London Gazette 2 November 1918. P/6434 Serjt.-Mech. Hubert Cecil Hunt (late Bedf. R.)
‘A keen and skilful Observer, on whose courage and resource Pilots place absolute reliance. He has personally shot down and destroyed five enemy machines, two of which he accounted for during one patrol.’
The original recommendation expands
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has taken part in numerous offensive patrols, escorts, etc., and on all occasions has shown keenness and real offensive spirit. By his skill and tenacity he has given confidence to his pilot and has set a fine example to other Observers in his squadron. He has personally accounted for enemy aircraft as follows:-
On 26 August 1918, when escorting a bombing raid to Peronne, about 40 enemy scouts attacked the formation. He fired a burst into a Pfalz Scout which spun down and was seen to crash West of Peronne. A Triplane then attacked the Bristol and he fired a good burst into it. The enemy machine went down in a dive and was seen to crash near Maricourt.”
On 16 August 1918, when on offensive patrol, two enemy two-seaters were attacked in the vicinity of Douai. He fired about a drum and a half into one which fell out of control and crashed near Fresnoy. This was confirmed by the pilot.
On 8 August 1918, when escorting D.H.4s over Vitry, several enemy scouts were encountered. He fired 20 rounds into a Pfalz Scout at 80 yards range. The enemy machine burst into flames and went down.
On 28 May 1918, when on offensive patrol between Merville and La Bassee, nine small enemy two-seaters were attacked. He fired one and a half drums into one E.A., which nose dived, turned over and fell completely out of control.”
Aerial Victories all in 22 Squadron. (10 according to combat reports)
16 May 1918 1100hrs. Bristol F.2b (B1217) 2 Balloons + Lorry Merville.
28 May 1918 1110hrs. Bristol F.2b (C4894) Two-seater, Out of Control, Merville-La Bassée.
08 Aug 1918 1045hrs. Bristol F.2b (E4706) Fokker D.VII, Destroyed, Brebières.
08 Aug 1918 1045hrs. Bristol F.2b (E4706) Fokker D.VII, Destroyed, Flames. Brebières.
16 Aug 1918 1100hrs. Bristol F.2b (F5824) Two-seater, Destroyed, Fresnoy.
25 Aug 1918 1830hrs. Bristol F.2b (C1035) Pfalz D.III, Destroyed, W of Péronne.
25 Aug 1918 1835hrs. Bristol F.2b (C1035) Fokker DR.I, Destroyed, Maricourt.
25 Aug 1918 1835hrs. Bristol F.2b (C1035) Pfalz D.III, Out of Control, West of Maricourt.
31 Aug 1918 1710hrs. Bristol F.2b (F5824) Fokker D.VII, Out of Control, South East of Vitry.
Hubert Cecil Hunt was born 18 Sept. 1898 in Manor Park, Essex. Died 11 Jan 1981 at 24a, Douglas Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
An old typed copy of extracts from a letter to Hunt to the original collector records himself as having been credited with 2 balloons and 9 aircraft
Prov. The ‘Aviation Collection’ Spinks May 1989, D.N.W. Bill & Angela Strong Medal Collection 18 May 2011 £11,000 (£13,640)
A lovely NCO’s ‘Ace’
