Herbert Huntington

Although born in Wales, Herbert Huntington’s parents were both English and his father served in the Army with the rifle brigade. Herbert also joined the Army and served with the 2nd Welsh Regiment. He was originally a superintendent of physical training and during World War I saw service in France. He was mentioned in dispatches five times. After the hostilities he served as a lieutenant colonel in the staff office at command headquarters and his final post, before he retired in 1923 to take a job in the City, was Superintendent of Physical Training, Eastern Command. He was subsequently honoured with the OBE. Huntington’s son Nigel was also a soldier. Serving with the Royal Artillery during World War II, he sadly lost his life on active service in 1943.

Huntington’s fencing career saw him fence for the Army Fencing Union (AFU). He competed in the sabre event at the 1920 Antwerpen Olympics and, that same year, he helped the AFU reach the final of the Savage Shield, but they lost to Bertrand’s. He won just one national fencing title, épée, in 1921.

Huntington was also a fine boxer and was Army and Navy Officers’ middleweight champion in 1912, the Imperial Services middleweight champion in 1920, and their heavyweight champion in 1920 and 1921. He also fought in the ABA Championships and was honorary secretary of the Imperial Services Boxing Association, the Army Boxing Association and the Army Fencing Union.