Edward John Hammond

Born: 10 February 1897

Died: 4 April 1918

Rank and Regiment: Private G/26047 in the 8th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment

Resting Place: Crucifix Corner Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux, Somme, France - Plot IX. C. 2.

Memorial: Shipdham War Memorial, United Kingdom

Edward was born in Runhall on 10 February 1897, the son of Frederick Hammond and Lucy Louisa (nee Purdy). He was baptised at Runhall on 14 April 1900, alongside his sister Blanche. He joined Runhall School on 15 April 1901 but the family left the village in 1905. Shortly before leaving the school he received a certificate for good attendance, as did Horace Balls of Coston. His father died in 1910 and the family moved to Shipdham.

He enlisted in the Norfolk Yeomanry (The King’s Own Royal Regiment), with service number 140247; he was then transferred  to the East Surrey Regiment with service number 26047, and it was while he was serving with the East Surreys that he was killed on 4 April 1918.

His effects amounting to £13 2s 10d were paid to his mother together with the War Gratuity of £9.

He is buried at Crucifix Corner Cemetery in France and is commemorated on Shipdham War Memorial.