Rex Hunt (diplomat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Rex Hunt
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Rex Hunt (left) next to Margaret Thatcher
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| Governor of the Falkland Islands | |
| In office 25 June 1982 (de facto) – 16 October 1985 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Chief Executive | David G. P. Taylor |
| Preceded by | Jeremy Moore (as Military Commander) |
| Succeeded by | Gordon Jewkes |
| In office 1980 – 2 April 1982 (de facto) |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Sir James Parker |
| Succeeded by | Mario Benjamín Menéndez (as Military Commander) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Rex Masterman Hunt
29 June 1926 Redcar |
| Died | 11 November 2012 (aged 86) Stockton-on-Tees |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | Lady Mavis Hunt |
| Children | Antony Hunt Diana Hunt |
| Alma mater | St Peter's College, Oxford |
| Occupation | Diplomat and colonial administrator |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch/service |  Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941 – 1948 |
| Rank | Flight lieutenant |
| Unit | No 5 Squadron No 26 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II,1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands |
| Legally, Hunt remained Governor throughout the occupation. | |
Sir Rex Masterman Hunt (June 29, 1926 – November 11, 2012) was a British diplomat and colonial administrator. A diplomat helps manage relationships between countries. A colonial administrator helps govern a territory that is part of another country.
Sir Rex Hunt served as the Governor of the Falkland Islands from 1980 to 1985. He also held the title of High Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory. He became well-known in the United Kingdom during the Falklands War in 1982. This happened after Argentina invaded the islands. During the invasion, he was taken prisoner and temporarily removed from his role.
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Early Life and Military Service
Rex Hunt was born in Redcar, England. His father, Henry William Hunt, was a clerk. Rex went to school at Coatham School in Redcar. Later, he studied law at St Peter's College, Oxford.
During World War II, Rex Hunt joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1941. He became a pilot in 1945. He flew Spitfire planes in British India. Later, he served in West Germany. He left active service in 1948 with the rank of flight lieutenant.
Rex Hunt married Mavis Amanda. They had two children, Antony and Diana.
Diplomatic Career Highlights
In 1952, Rex Hunt joined the British Government's Foreign Office. This is the part of the government that handles international relations. His first job abroad was in Uganda in 1962.
He then worked in several countries in Asia, including Malaysia and Brunei. He also served in Turkey and Indonesia. In 1974, he became the Consul-General in Saigon, South Vietnam. He was there when the Vietnam War ended in 1975. Before becoming Governor of the Falkland Islands, he was the Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia.
Becoming Governor of the Falkland Islands
On January 14, 1980, Rex Hunt was appointed Governor of the Falkland Islands. He was also the High Commissioner of the British Antarctic Territory. The Falkland Islands are a group of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
The country of Argentina also claimed ownership of the Falkland Islands. At this time, Argentina had a military government. They were trying harder to claim the islands. The British government sent Hunt to the islands. They wanted him to try to convince the islanders that being closer to Argentina might be good for them.
However, Rex Hunt quickly learned that the people of the Falkland Islands strongly wanted to remain British. He told London about their feelings. He also agreed with the islanders. This made some officials in London think he was too influenced by the local people.
The Falklands War Begins
On April 2, 1982, the Argentine Navy and Army invaded the Falkland Islands. They attacked by sea under the cover of night. Rex Hunt made his official home, Government House in Port Stanley, the base for the small group of Royal Marines on the islands. He sent his family to a safer place.
Government House became the site of a short battle. The Royal Marines fought against Argentine commandos. The British forces were greatly outnumbered. After some fighting, Rex Hunt sadly ordered the Royal Marines to surrender.
He then went to Stanley Town Hall. He wore his full formal uniform, complete with medals and a sword. He faced the Argentine commander, Vice-Admiral Carlos Büsser. Hunt told him, "You have landed unlawfully on British territory, and I order you to remove yourself and your troops forthwith." The Argentine soldiers laughed at him. They treated him roughly and took his medals.
Four hours later, he was flown out of the Falklands to Montevideo, Uruguay. During the weeks of the war, Hunt stayed in London. His wife and son were in Kent, England.
Return to the Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands were under Argentine control for a short time. On June 14, 1982, a British task force liberated the islands. Rex Hunt returned to the Falklands. He wore his full dress uniform again. He helped to re-establish the islands' self-governance. British forces marched past him in a parade. He continued to serve as Governor until 1985.
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring, Rex Hunt wrote a book about his experiences. It was called My Falkland Days and was published in 1992.
He was also the chairman of the Falkland Islands Association for several years. He retired from this role in 2004. He then moved to Elton, near his childhood home of Redcar.
Death and Memorials
Rex Hunt passed away in Stockton-on-Tees on November 11, 2012. His funeral was held at All Saints' Church in Hutton Rudby. He was buried in the church's graveyard. His gravestone has a map of the Falkland Islands carved into it. A memorial service was also held in Port Stanley at the same time.
When he died, the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, said that Rex Hunt "should be a hero to everyone in Britain for his actions during the Falkland War."
Honours and Awards
Rex Hunt received several honours for his service:
- He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1980.
- He was knighted on October 11, 1982. This meant he could use the title "Sir." He received this honour for his service during the Falklands War.
- He was made a Freeman of the City of London in 1981.
- He became a Freeman of Stanley, Falkland Islands, in 1985.
- In 1987, Hunt was appointed as the Honorary Air Commodore of No. 2729 (City of Lincoln) Squadron.
Images for kids
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Knight Bachelor ribbon
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Order of St Michael and St George ribbon
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Defence Medal ribbon
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War Medal 1939–1945 ribbon
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South Atlantic Medal with Rosette ribbon
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Uganda Independence Medal ribbon
