212910 A/Capt. Walter Hammond MC and Bar.British Army 23rd Btn. Middlesex Regiment from:Tressillian Crescent, Brockley Walter Hammond's Military Cross citation dated 9th Jan 1918 reads: T./2nd Lt. Walter Hammond, attd. Midd'x - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led a raiding party with great coolness and dash against enemy concrete dug-outs which were strongly garrisoned. He shot the Serjeant-Major in charge of the garrison, and by his fine leadership compelled a number of the enemy to surrender. He then returned to his trench under heavy machine gun fire, taking nineteen prisoners with him. The war diary of the 1st of January 1918, mentions Hammond leading a raid which captured 19 prisoners. On the 18th of Feb 1918 he was awarded a Bar to the MC, the citation reads: 2nd Lt. (A./Capt.) Walter Hammond, M.C., Midd'x R. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in command of a large raiding party he carried out a successful operation, and brought his party back with three prisoners and only a few minor casualties, despite heavy shell and rifle fire. Previously to the raid he had been of the greatest assistance to his commanding officer both in; making preparations, reconnaissance, and in training the men for the operation. His skill and gallant leadership throughout were most marked. He was discharged on the 25th of Oct 1919 at the completion of his service. Walter had enlisted with the 21st Btn, KRRC and was commissioned on the 29th of May 1917.
The War Diary of the 23rd Bn Middlesex Regt for the 25th of Mar 1918 lists him as being wounded, the same day as Walter Tull, the first black officer in the British Army, was killed, he served in the same unit.
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