Private Henry J Hammond

Henry Johnson Hammond, commonly known as 'Jack', was born in November 1905. He lived in Bradfield, Essex , where he worked as a horseman on a farm.

Private Henry Hammond enlisted in 1924 and was trained as a saddler and harness maker in 1928. He was serving with HQ of the 10th Battalion The Essex Regiment when it was converted into an airborne unit and became the 9th (Essex) Parachute Battalion in December 1942.

During his service with the battalion, he took part in the Normandy Campaign which followed D-Day on 6 June 1944. Returning to the UK in the autumn, he deployed with the battalion to the Ardennes during the winter of 1944-5, before taking part in the Rhine Crossing, during Op Varsity and the Advance to the Baltic which followed.

He left active service in November 1945 and became a reservist until February 1954. Pte Hammond served for 21 years and 55 days, during his army career he went from Private to acting Sergeant and was promotion to War Substantive Sergeant. In 1940 Jack returned to the rank of Private at his own request.

Henry 'Jack' Hammond died in May 2003, aged 97 years old.