David Hammond

War Service

At the start of the First World War, David Hammond was employed at Parkhill Colliery, but on 11th November 1914, he enlisted in the Coldstream Guards. After a period of training in England, on 25th May 1915, David Hammond was drafted to join the British Expeditionary Force, joining the 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, in Flanders.
The 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards was part of the original British Expeditionary Force and sailed to France on 12th August 1914. The Battalion was involved in the retreat to the Marne and the advance to the Aisne, before moving to Flanders. In 1915, the 2nd Battalion was designated part of 1st Guards Brigade, Guards Division.
In July 1916, the Guards Division left the Ypres Salient, to take part in the Allied offensive on the Somme. The first week of September was spent in billets at Meaulte, but on the 10th September the battalion marched to bivouacs and dug-outs at Carnoy. At 20.00 hrs. on the 14th September the 2nd Coldstream Guards moved up to the front line at Ginchy, in preparation for the attack. The 2nd Battalion was in the centre of the Guards Division assault, with the 3rd Coldstream Guards on their left and 1st Coldstream Guards on their right.
The assault began at 06.30hrs, on 15th September 1916. On emerging from Ginchy Wood, No.3 and No.4 Companies, who were leading the 2nd Battalion’s assault, came under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and suffered heavy casualties. Despite this, the first objective was taken at 07.15 hrs. At 11.00 hrs. the line again advanced and despite a heavy enemy artillery barrage, took the second line. Both Lt. Edmonstone and Lt Laing, the only two officers left, went out 400 - 500 yards in front, with men of No.1 Company and remained there till dusk, when ordered to retire. During the night the 2nd Coldstream Guards consolidated their positions, but throughout the following day were continually shelled by enemy artillery. After quiet night, the 2nd Battalion was relieved at dawn on 17th September and marched to Bernafay Wood, where they had a hot meal, before returning to their billets.
The 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards incurred over 400 casualties during this assault, one of whom was Lance Corporal David Hammond. His name is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, which is a memorial to those who died on the Somme and who have no known grave. It bears the names of 72000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South Africa forces who died on the Somme sector, before 20th March 1918.

Family Life

David Hammond was born on 1st April 1891, the son of Joshua Hammond, a coal miner and his wife Catherine, formerly Stevens. David was baptised on 14th October 1891, at St Mary Magdalene Church, Outwood. At this time the family was living at Garden Terrace, Outwood, but later moved to Newtown, at Normanton. On leaving school, David Hammond found employment at a local coal mine however, on 19th July 1910 he enlisted in the Royal Regiment of Artillery.
He attested to serve for 8 years with the Colours and 4 years in Reserve. At this time he gave his next of kin as his father, Joshua Hammond, of No.2 Hatfield Row, Wakefield. He was immediately posted to the Royal Garrison Artillery, based at the Citadel in Plymouth. On 13th August 1910, Gunner David Hammond was discharged from the service, “Free” under Art.1058A, Kings Regulations.
In 1911, the family was living at 15 Hatfield Row, Outwood and David was employed as a joiner. At the time his father, Joshua, was unable to work because of illness. On 24th December 1911, David Hammond, now working as a miner, married Eunice Kellett, also of Hatfield Row, at St Mary Magdalene Church, Outwood. Within two years their sons, William and Harry, were born.

Thiepval Memorial