Hammond, G T (George Thomas)
Leask, T H (Thomas Hewetson), Lazenby, E (Edward), Hayfield, G F (George Frederick), Hammond, G T (George Thomas)
George Thomas Hammond was the husband of Mrs Hannah Wood Hamilton 110, Baundell Avenue, New Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Lincolnshire. At the time of his death, he was 42, date of birth: 26th July 1874, rather than 40 as officially listed. He died from accidental drowning; his body was recovered at an unknown date.
George served onboard H.M. Trawler Helcia.[1] The trawler had a fateful and unlucky history. In 1908, before the war, three crew members lost their lives after being swept overboard. Then, during June of 1915, Trimmer Holmes became ill and died. Later that year during October, this sailor, George Hammond drowned in an accident. The vessel was eventually lost with all hands (10 sailors) during September 1919 in the North Atlantic.[2]
As well as this sailor, Thomas Hammond, Trimmer Holmes is also buried in the City Cemetery, Londonderry. The other ten have no known final resting place and it can be assumed that they are all lost at sea.
George Thomas Hammond was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War and Victory Medals.
Date of Death: 11/10/1915 (Aged 40 (42))
Service: Second Hand, Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler “Helcia.”
Service Number: 406/SA
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, G. Mil. 1.
[1] HM Trawler Helcia was commissioned by the Royal Navy during 1915 and was subsequently armed and acted as a mine sweeper.
[2] H.M. Trawler Helcia, ten sailors lost their lives when it sank.
