Early years
Arthur Hammond was born in North Malvern in 1900, the youngest son of William Hammond a labourer for Malvern Urban District Council and his wife Louisa. He was christened at Holy Trinity Church, North Malvern on 29th April 1900. The family of four children grew up at 6 Link Terrace, Link Top (later known as Lygon Terrace).
Link Terrace, Link Top around 1900.
First World War
Arthur enlisted in the 3/8th Bn, The Worcestershire Regiment as a drummer – a boy soldier rank. At this age he was not old enough to serve overseas. Sometime after March 1917 he was transferred to a Territorial training battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
After the German Spring Offensives of 1918, the desperate need for men with the British Expeditionary Force resulted in the age for overseas service being reduced from 19 to 18. Arthur landed in France in August 1918 and was posted to the 14th Royal Warwickshire Regiment (the 1st Birmingham Pals)
Battle of Cambrai 1918
Arthur had only been in France for five weeks when he was killed in action on 27th September 1918. The 14th Royal Warwickshire Regiment were involved in the Battle of Cambrai during the attack on Gouzeaucourt (the village that was later adopted by the City of Worcester).
Reports of Arthur’s death arrived with his parents at the end of October. From an officer Mrs Hammond received a letter:
“It is with very deep regret that I have to inform you of the death in action of your son, who was a most painstaking and thorough soldier, and one who was very much liked by his comrades. Your very great loss will be keenly felt by all who knew him, officers and men alike. I must beg of you to accept the deepest sympathy of the officers and men of this Company.”
Commemoration
Arthur’s body was recovered the battlefield with a number of other men from his battalion, just west of the Trescault to Gouzeacourt road, east of Metz-en-Couture. He was buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, by men of the 69th Labour Company in August 1919. Today he lies in Plot VII Row G Grave 15.
Arthur Hammond’s headstone at Gouzeacourt New British Cemetery
A double family tragedy
The Hammond’s eldest son, Sapper Joseph Hammond, died of wounds on April 29th 1918and the second son served with the Royal Field Artillery in France.
Malvern News 26/10/1918
Malvern Holy Trinity Parish Registers: Baptisms 1889-1904
1911 Census
