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RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

Article about: may he rest in peace in the next life.

  1. #1

    Default RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

    Hi Guys, this afternoon Lez and I attended the funeral of a former member of the XXI Indep Para Coy. Sadly we never got to meet David, but attended his funeral in order to represent his Old Comrades who could not attend due to their advanced years. I edit the Vets Newsletter. I provided a Red Beret for the coffin.

    Born in 1925. David was nicknamed "Sledge" by his comrades as a pun on his surname. David joined the Royal Tank Regt in 1942. He then volunteered in 1944 for the Parachute Regt and was hand picked to join the Pathfinders of the XXI. He served as a wireless operator in No3 Platoon in Arnhem. He was one of the lucky ones who escaped over the Rhine. He also served in Norway in 1945 and later served in Palestine until 1948.

    He was a talented musician: during the battle of Arnhem, he and a mate discovered a guitar in a house where they were fighting. David struck up a tune and sing -song ensued, and the Dutch family, who had been hiding in the celler, came up to listen as an appreciative audience. They were interupted by a message coming in on the wireless. This was from Major "Boy" Wilson, the Company CO. Apparently he could hear the music in his HQ, and he told David in no uncertain terms to shut up!

    David was laid to rest in the village where he grew up.

    RIP

    Cheers, Ade.
    Click to enlarge the picture Click to enlarge the picture RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy  
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  2. #2

    Default Re: RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

    May he know eternal peace, God bless, Sir!

  3. #3
    ?

    Default Re: RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

    May you now RIP Warrior!

  4. #4

    Default Re: RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

    Good of you and Lez to do that, Ade.

    RIP, Mr. Hammersley.........
    Regards,


    Steve.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

    R.I.P another hero gone

    Ade, i hope you dont mind, i copy n pasted your bio of Sledge onto the Final RV section of the British Airborne Forces club website. The lads always like to pay their respects to these men who set the standard for us.

  6. #6

    Default Re: RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

    RIP, Mr. Hammersley!
    |<
    Always looking for Belgian Congo stuff!
    http://out-of-congo.eklablog.com/

    cheers
    |<ris

  7. #7
    ?

    Default Re: RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

    Rip

  8. #8
    ?

    Default Re: RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

    Well done to you both Ade, that truly is a credit to you. May he rest in peace.

    Regards,

    Carl

  9. #9

    Default Re: RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

    Another one gone, what a shame.

  10. #10

    Default Re: RIP : David "Sledge" Hammersley, XXI Indep Para Coy

    Thanks for all the kind condolence messages.

    Jumper: thanks for doing that. Much appreciated.

    Cheers, Ade.
    Had good advice? Saved money? Why not become a Gold Club Member, just hit the green "Join WRF Club" tab at the top of the page and help support the forum!

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