The Hunter family
Robert Hunter was born on the 29th of May in 1894 in Airdrie. He had an older brother called Andrew who was born on the 27th of January 1887. Robert’s parents lived in the village of Longriggend.
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Both brothers attended Airdrie Academy. By the time that Robert began his secondary education in 1906, his brother had left school. Robert’s great nephew, Robert Mair still has a copy of the ‘Complete Works of Burns’ book from Robert Hunter’s time at Airdrie Academy dated 8th June 1907. This may have been awarded as a prize for his studies.
After Airdrie Academy Robert Hunter went on to study at Glasgow University.
He served in the first World War, initially joining the Cameronians aged 26. He later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps where he qualified as a Flight Lieutenant in May 1918. The above photograph shows Robert in his Royal Flying Corps uniform
He survived the war. Robert Hunter is mentioned in the Glasgow University Roll of Honour 1914-18 and the Lodge of Airdrie Roll of Honour of members who served in the Great War. Robert’s Great nephew shared this incredible record of service from the First World War. It details postings with the R.A.F to the Middle East between 1918 and 1919. Robert Hunter was awarded medals for his war service at this time.
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After returning from active military service, Robert began working in education services. Robert was based at the Education Department, Nairobi, Kenya around 1926 before returning to the United Kingdom where he worked as a Director of Education in England until his retirement. This photograph is from his time working in Kenya:
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This photograph was taken around the time Robert Hunter retired. He is standing beside his wife:
Robert Hunter died in Airdrie on the 17th of October 1969.
Other relatives of Robert Hunter who attended Airdrie Academy include Andrew Wilson born 03/11/1925 died 12/05/2011
Also Robert David Hunter Mair born 23/01/1955 and George Iain Urquhart Mair born 20/02/1952.
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