26 Facts About Tony Hunter-Choat

Tony Hunter-Choat was born in Purley, London, the son of Frederick, who worked in insurance, and Iris, a schoolteacher.

Tony Hunter-Choat attended Dulwich College and Kingston College of Art, where he trained as an architect.

Tony Hunter-Choat was pursued by his mother, but by the time she caught up with him, he had already signed up.

Tony Hunter-Choat was sent for basic training in Algeria, which at the time was experiencing the Algerian War.

Tony Hunter-Choat volunteered for the additional training to become a paratrooper.

In February 1958, as a machine-gunner, Tony Hunter-Choat took part in the Battle of Fedj Zezoua, for his service in which he was awarded the Cross for Military Valour.

Tony Hunter-Choat was later awarded the Cross for Military Valour a further two times, as well as the Medaille militaire.

Tony Hunter-Choat was one of a number of troops who occupied key parts of Algiers on behalf of the putsch on the night of 21 April 1961.

Tony Hunter-Choat's father convinced him to apply to the British Army, but his first application in March 1962 was rejected because he was over the typical age.

Whilst there, Tony Hunter-Choat took part in cross-border raids into Indonesia, as well as coastal raids.

Tony Hunter-Choat initially signed up on a short service commission and wanted to transfer to a regular commission.

Tony Hunter-Choat remained in Borneo as a forward observer officer until 1966, when he returned to Britain.

Tony Hunter-Choat became a battery commander and then became second-in-command of 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery in Hong Kong.

Tony Hunter-Choat served on the directing staff of the junior division of the Land Warfare Centre, Warminster, from 1975 to 1977.

Tony Hunter-Choat commanded the regiment until 1983, although few details of his service in this period are available due to its sensitive nature.

Tony Hunter-Choat retired from the army in 1986, at the rank of colonel, and was appointed OBE.

Tony Hunter-Choat's responsibilities included increasing the numbers in the special forces from under 1000 to more than 2000, and for improving their equipment and capability.

However, there was no suggestion that Tony Hunter-Choat had acted improperly.

Tony Hunter-Choat was later responsible for making security plans for USAID in Afghanistan and was an accomplished lecturer on leadership and security.

The Tony Hunter-Choat pace stick is awarded biennially to a Combined Cadet Force cadet in Hereford.

Tony Hunter-Choat married Maureen McCabe in 1964, but the marriage was later dissolved.

Tony Hunter-Choat had two daughters from his first marriage and two daughters and a son from his second marriage.

Tony Hunter-Choat had served as both president and secretary general of the British branch of the Foreign Legion Association and was a keen Freemason.

Tony Hunter-Choat was a member of the Sublime Society of Beefsteaks.

Besides winning the Cross for Military Valour three times, and winning the Medaille militaire, Tony Hunter-Choat was appointed OBE and awarded the Omani Order of Achievement.

Tony Hunter-Choat was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Freeman of the City of London.