Air Mechanic 2nd Class Michael Hunter

Michael Hunter was born in Gateshead, Durham, on 3rd July, 1891. He was one of seven children born to Ben Hunter and his wife, Mary, (nee Lewis). In 1901, the family were living in Gateshead and Ben was working as a coal miner (hewer). By 1911, he appears to have gone into business with Michael as a china dealer.

Michael spent the early year of WWI serving as a Private in the West Yorkshire Regiment, before transferring to the RAF on 3rd June, 1918. He spent most of the first two months of his service at No.8 Training Depot Station, Netheravon (where ground personnel were processed), before being posted to RAF Upton, near Poole, which was a mooring-out station for airships operating from nearby RAF Polegate. He arrived at No.7 Air Acceptance Park, Kenley on 2nd January, 1919, and worked as a labourer there until his death from pneumonia in Croydon War Hospital on 17th February, 1919. Michael was 27 years old when he died and left behind a widow, Rose Hunter. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Gateshead.

Rest in peace Sir and thank you for your service.