Anzac Day: Peter Plumridge speaks about his uncle Victor Hunt who served in WWI

When Riverhills Navy veteran Peter Plumridge inherited his great uncle’s World War I medals, he realised he knew very little about the man his family affectionately referred to as “Uncle Vic”.

Middle Park man Peter Plumridge has been spending a lot of time researching his family's WW1 history. Picture: Peter Cronin

When Riverhills Navy veteran Peter Plumridge inherited his great uncle’s World War I medals, he realised he knew very little about the man his family affectionately referred to as “Uncle Vic”.

“Because I had the medals, I wanted to find out more about him and what he did,” Mr Plumridge said.

“I could remember meeting him when I was very small and a saying he always said but that was about it.”

Using the Australian War Memorial website, Mr Plumridge was able to find detailed information about Private Clarence Victor Hunt.

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served our country since World War I, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

“He was 26 when he volunteered in 1916 and was posted to the Third Battalion,” he said.

“His occupation before he signed up was a horse musterer.”

Records revealed Private Hunt spent several stints in hospital while serving on the battle field in France.

“He was wounded several times and gassed,” Mr Plumridge said.

“He was sent to hospital in England which is where he met his future wife, a schoolteacher named Jessie.”

The couple returned to Australia in 1919 where they remained until Private Hunt died in 1964.

Mr Plumridge said he hopes to get the medals mounted in time for the Anzac Centenary.

“It will be very special to wear them alongside my own,” he said.

“It’s very important to remember the significant events in this country’s history.”

Mr Plumridge, an active member of the Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch was a communications specialist with the Australian Navy for 12 years and served about several ships including the HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Duchess.

Hi grandfather, Algernon Edward Plumridge also served in the great war.

“He was gassed in 1917 and sent home to die, but he ended up living until 1968.”

Originally published as Anzac Day: Peter Plumridge speaks about his uncle Victor Hunt who served in WWI