Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas (Part I)

The scarce Boer War ‘Naval Brigade’ D.S.O. group of four awarded to Captain G. P. E. Hunt, Royal Navy, who commanded one of the 4.7-inch guns with great distinction

Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamels, with integral top riband bar; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (Lieut: G. P. E. Hunt, R.N, H:M:S Forte); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Gambia (Commdr: G. P. E. Hunt, D.S.O. R.N.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Captain G. P. E. Hunt. DSO. RN.) later impressed naming, mounted for display, good very fine (4) £6,000-£8,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas.

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Collection

Alan Hall Collection, June 2000.

D.S.O. London Gazette 6 November 1900: ‘In recognition of services during the war in South Africa.’ One of 3 such awards to the Royal Navy for South Africa.

Mentioned in despatches by Captain E. P. Jones, R.N., dated at Ladysmith, 6 March 1900: ‘Lieutenant Hunt has acted as Brigade Major, Quartermaster & Chief of my Staff rolled into one - as well as commanding a 4.7-inch gun, often being uo the greater part of the night with paper work after lomg fatiguing days. His services have been invaluable to me.’

Mentioned in despatches by Captain James, dated at Van Wyk, 14 June 1900, for services on 6th June: ‘I desire particularly to mention Lieut. Hunt, “Forte”, who acts as Chief of Staff for me & gunnery officer. His ability in a tight place, energy & hard work are beyond all praise.’

Mentioned in despatches by General Sir Redvers Buller, 30 March 1900, London Gazette 19 June 1900.

George Percy Edward Hunt was born at Shooling, Southampton, on 15 April 1863, the son of George Jenkins Hunt and Mary Cooper. He was educated at the Merchant Navy Training Ship Conway and, on passing out he entered the Merchant Marine. He obtained a Second Mate Certificate at Liverpool on 13 November 1882, a Mates Certificate on 5 May 1884 and his Masters Certificate on 20 December 1886.

He joined the Royal Navy Reserve as a Sub Lieutenant on 30 June 1890, and was promoted to Lieutenant on 29 October 1894. He was one of a hundred R.N.R. Lieutenants who were invited to join the Royal Navy as a Supplementary Lieutenant in October 1895. He was appointed as a Lieutenant R.N.R. to the cruiser H.M.S. Sybille in January 1895. He served in this vessel with the Mediterranean Fleet for three years and on paying off was appointed to the Duke of Wellington at Portsmouth in June 1898. During the next several months he underwent Gunnery and Torpedo Courses at Excellent and Vernon, and was awarded 1st Class Certificates.

He was next afloat as Gunnery Officer aboard the cruiser Forte in April 1899, for service on the Cape of Good Hope and West Coast of Africa Station. Whilst serving in this vessel he was landed for service with the Naval Brigade during the opening actions of the Boer War. He Commanded a 4.7-inch naval gun and was three times Mentioned in Despatches.

Whilst continuing to serve in Forte he was specially promoted to Commander 'For services in South Africa on 1 January 1902'. He remained with Forte when the ship sailed for Gambia in West Africa, where the Insignia and Warrant were presented to Lieutenant Hunt on board Forte by the Governor of the Gambia in July 1901. A Naval Brigade under Captain Sparkes, with Commander Hunt as Second in Command, was landed from H.M. Ships Dwarf, Forte and Thrush. The ships boats proceeded up river to attack the town of Dunbutu where the murderers [of two travelling Commissioners and their escort in June 1900] were known to live. The troops including the Naval Brigade marched approximately 8 miles to the rebel town and despite a heavy fire the town and its stockade were quickly taken. The British losses were 1 killed and 4 wounded. Those responsible for the murders were captured and later hanged. The Naval Brigade having completed their mission returned to their ships at Bathurst. For his services Hunt was Mentioned in Despatches.

On paying off from Forte he joined Galatea in May 1902 for service with the Home Fleet, and was next appointed to Dido in February 1903, and President, September 1904, for Senior Officers War Course. On passing out he obtained a 1st Class Certificate and joined Empress of India, February 1905, Flag Ship of the Reserve Division at Devonport. Appointed to Barfleur, September 1906, and the Prince George, March 1907. On promotion to Captain on 31 December 1907, he underwent courses in Gunnery, Torpedo and Signals and a further War Course during 1908.

Appointed to the command of the cruiser Ariadne, April 1909, and subsequently the command of the recently built cruiser Newcastle, August 1910. Remained in command whilst the ship served with the China Squadron and on paying off he retired at his own request on 5 July 1913, having reached 50 years of age.

Recalled for war service on 17 August 1914, and appointed to President as Senior Naval Officer Port of London. During August and September 1914 he was engaged in the fitting out of armed merchant cruisers at Tilbury. Their Lordships expressed their high appreciation of his services. On 1 November 1916 he was appointed to Vivid as Assistant to the Captain of Devonport Dockyard and Assistant King's Harbour Master, Harmoaze. In this post he was responsible for various salvage operations, in particular the SS Broadfield in November 1916 and H.M.S. Mars in July 1917. Their Lordships expressed their appreciation of the excellent salvage on these and other occasions.

On 22 August 1917 he was found dead in his official residence with a revolver by his side. The subsequent Court of Enquiry recorded the cause of death as a self inflicted bullet wound to the head while temporarily insane.