Nicholas Hunt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nicholas Hunt
GCB LVO DL
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Admiral Sir Nicholas Hunt
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| Birth name | Nicholas John Streynsham Hunt |
| Born | 7 November 1930 Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales |
| Died | 25 October 2013 (aged 82) Shere, Surrey, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1952–1987 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Commander-in-Chief Fleet and Allied Commander-in-Chief Channel and Eastern Atlantic. Flag Officer Scotland and Northern Ireland Director-General, Naval Manpower and Training Flag Officer, Second Flotilla |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order |
| Spouse(s) | Meriel Eve Hunt, Lady Hunt (née Givan) |
| Relations | Jeremy Hunt (son) |
Admiral Sir Nicholas John Streynsham Hunt was a very important officer in the Royal Navy. He was born on November 7, 1930, and passed away on October 25, 2013. He held a top job as the Commander-in-Chief Fleet from 1985 to 1987. This meant he was in charge of a large part of the British Navy's ships and operations.
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Early Life and Family
Nicholas Hunt was born on November 7, 1930, in Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales. His father, John Montgomerie Hunt, was a Brigadier in the British Indian Army. Nicholas came from a well-known family called the Hunts of Boreatton. A famous cousin of his was Agnes Hunt, who was a pioneer in orthopaedic nursing. This type of nursing helps people with bone and muscle problems.
Nicholas Hunt studied at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. This is a special school where people train to become officers in the Navy. After finishing his studies, he joined the Royal Navy as an officer. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1952.
Working for Royalty
From 1959 to 1962, Nicholas Hunt worked as an Assistant Private Secretary. He helped Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent. This was a special role helping a member of the Royal Family. He was promoted to lieutenant commander in 1960. Later, he worked at the Ministry of Defence in a department that planned naval operations.
Leading Ships and Teams
In 1969, Hunt became the executive officer of HMS Ark Royal. This was a large aircraft carrier. In 1974, he took command of HMS Intrepid, which was a ship used for landing troops. He also attended the Royal College of Defence Studies. This college helps senior officers learn about defence and security.
He returned to the Ministry of Defence in 1976. There, he became the Director of Naval Plans. This meant he helped plan what the Navy would do. In 1978, he became the captain of the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. This was the same college where he had trained.
Becoming an Admiral
Nicholas Hunt was appointed as an aide-de-camp to the Queen in 1980. This was an honorary role. In 1980, he became the Flag Officer, Second Flotilla. This meant he was in charge of a group of naval ships. He was promoted to rear admiral in 1981. Later that year, he became Director-General of Naval Manpower and Training. This role involved managing the Navy's staff and training programs.
He became a vice admiral in 1983. He was then in charge of naval operations in Scotland, Northern England, and Northern Ireland. In 1985, he reached the highest rank of admiral. He became the Commander-in-Chief Fleet. This made him responsible for a large part of the Royal Navy. He also became the Allied Commander-in-Chief Channel and Eastern Atlantic. He retired from the Navy in 1987.
After leaving the Navy, Sir Nicholas Hunt took on many important jobs. From 1987 to 1989, he worked at Eurotunnel. This company manages the tunnel that connects the UK and France. He was also the Director-General of the Chamber of Shipping from 1991 to 1997. This organization represents shipping companies.
He held other roles too. He was Chairman of the South West Surrey District Health Authority. He also chaired Nuffield Hospitals, which are healthcare providers. He was a Commissioner for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This group looks after war graves around the world. He also chaired Chatham Historic Dockyard, a famous naval museum. In 2005, he became Chairman of Ferrero UK Ltd, a well-known chocolate company.
Sir Nicholas Hunt strongly supported the nuclear deterrent. This is a country's ability to use nuclear weapons to prevent attacks. He was also a Deputy Lieutenant for Surrey. This is a ceremonial role helping the Queen's representative in the county.
He was appointed Rear-Admiral of the United Kingdom in 1994. Then, in 1997, he became Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom. These were important honorary positions in the Navy. He held these roles until 2001. Sir Nicholas Hunt passed away at his home on October 25, 2013, at 82 years old.
Family Life
In 1966, Nicholas Hunt married Meriel Eve Givan. They had two sons and one daughter. One of their sons is Jeremy Hunt, who is a well-known politician. Lady Hunt passed away in 2022.
Awards and Honours
Nicholas Hunt received several important awards for his service.
- In 1961, he was made a Member of the Fourth Class of the Royal Victorian Order. This award is given by the monarch for personal service. In 1984, this award was renamed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO).
- He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1985. This is a very high honour given for excellent service.
- In 1987, he was promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB). This is the highest rank in this order.
- In 1988, he was made a Freeman of the City of London. This is an old tradition that grants special rights and honours.
