Thomas Hunter

Captain Thomas Vicars Hunter (2 April 1897 – 5 December 1917) was a British First World War flying ace credited with five aerial victories. While serving in the Rifle Brigade he had a leg amputated following a motorcycle accident; he was the first known military pilot to qualify and fly in combat despite his disability. Biography Family background and education Hunter was born in London, the younger of the two sons of Henry Charles Vicars Hunter, , and the Honourable Florence Edith Louise (née Dormer), daughter of John Baptist Joseph Dormer, 12th Baron Dormer of Wyng. His father was the principal landowner in Kilburn, Derbyshire, but lived at Abermarlais Park, Llangadog, Carmarthenshire. Hunter was educated at Ladycross School and Eton College. World War I Hunter left Eton on the outbreak of the war in August 1914, to attend the Royal Military College, Sandhurst as a cadet, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) on 23 December 1914. In January 1915, Hunter broke his leg in a motorcycling accident, developed sepsis in hospital, and eventually had to have his leg amputated above the knee in July. He was fitted with a prosthesis, from which he derived his nickname "Sticky" – he was known to remove it during rowdy parties to keep it whole. Hunter was placed on half-pay on account of his injuries on 9 February 1916. He was later assigned to duty at the War Office, but was eventually passed fit for home service, rejoining his regiment on 30 September, with the rank of lieutenant, with seniority from 2 March.