Description
Queen’s South Africa Medal, bar Relief of Ladysmith, 1993 Sergeant W.J. Hammond, 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, Died of Dysentery onboard SS Roslin Castle December 1899.
Officially impressed: “1993 Serjt: W. Hammond. W. York: Regt”
During the early stages of the war, Sergeant Hammond died of Dysentery whilst on board the S.S. Roslin Castle, on 31st December 1899.
An early casualty and unusual single bar medal.
He is noted as having been taken to Cape Town to be buried, in Maitland Cemetery.
Commemorations:
He is commemorated on the Derby Railway Station, Midland Railways South African War Commemorative Plaque for those employed and lost their lives in South Africa.
It seems he returned to active service from the Army Reserve, his entry reading: “ARMY RESERVISTS – Lce Sergt Hammond, Leicester, 2nd West Yorks.”
He is also on one of the plaques on the Leicester Boer War Sculpture, as one of 4 Leicester Men who died during the war on service with the West Yorks Regiment.
As well as the Edwardian Cross Duncombe Place Boer War Memorial in York.
As well as the York Minster St George’s Chapel Plaque for the West Yorkshire Regiment Casualties.