HAMMOND, Claude

Claude Hammond was born in Cardiff, but his father, a mechanical engineer, had been born and bred in Wollaston. In 1914 his family was living at Leamington Spa. He enlisted in the 4th Dragoon Guards in the 1st Cavalry Division and went to the front line in December 1914. They were very actively involved in the Second Battle of Ypres from April to June 1915. As the German threat to Ypres developed along the Menin Road, a counter attack was ordered on the Bellewaerde Ridge for the 24th May. The German attack was halted, but at great cost. One of those killed in action was Private Claude Hammond. He was 19 years of age and is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Stourbridge and Wollaston Memorials.