Subject

New Guinea

Text

Receptivity: The hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live

Inscription

Killed on active service Wau 22nd March 1943 Sergt. Herbert John Cameron Hammond H.Q. N.G. L. of C. Area

Description & History

Following a similar format to all other windows in the aisle series, the badge of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces was placed in the upper section of the light, below the theatre of war. An emblem of 'Receptivity' (winged scarab beetle) was placed under the name of Sergeant Hammond. The colour patch was placed centrally in the lower border amidst the stylised floral border (friesias?).

Herbert John Hammond was born on 26 September 1921. He spent two years taking Honours in History at the University of Melbourne where he joined the Melbourne University Rifles. He enlisted in the Army in December 1941 and transferred to Intelligence Headquarters, New Guinea Force. After time back in Australia, he applied for a forward field posting and joined HQ 17 Brigade near Wau. Sergeant Hammond, aged 21, was accidentally shot while he slept on 22 March 1943. He was buried at the Wau War Cemetery, New Guinea.

References & Acknowledgements

AWM Roll of Honour; NAA: B883, VX101051; James, Affleck, Geelong Grammarians at World War Two, The Old Geelong Grammarians Incorporated, Corio, 2002, p.33; The Corian, May 1943.