Heathcote Howard Hammer
| Heathcote Hammer | |
|---|---|
Heathcote Hammer at Siar, New Guinea in June 1944
|
|
| Nickname(s) | "Tack", "Sledge" |
| Born | 15 February 1905 Southern Cross, Western Australia |
| Died | 10 March 1961 (aged 56) Brighton, Victoria |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/branch | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1923–59 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held |
3rd Division 15th Brigade 2/48th Infantry Battalion |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order & Bar Mentioned in Despatches |
Major General Heathcote Howard Hammer, CBE, DSO & Bar (15 February 1905 – 10 March 1961) was a senior officer in the Australian Army, seeing service during the Second World War. After working as a traveling salesman he joined the Militia, Australia's part-time military force, in 1923, starting out as an enlisted soldier before being commissioned as an officer. By 1939, having served with several infantry units, he had reached the rank of major. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Hammer volunteered for overseas service and fought in Greece, North Africa, New Guinea and Bougainville. He remained in the military after the war, rising to command at divisional level before retiring in 1959. He died in 1961 at the age of 56.
Hammer was born on 15 February 1905 in Southern Cross, Western Australia. His father, William, was a miner, and after his parents moved to Victoria, he lived in Bendigo, where he attended the School of Mines. Following his education he was employed as a travelling salesman. On 26 October 1935, he married Mary Frances Morrissey at St Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Melbourne. The couple had two children – a son and daughter – but were divorced in 1955. Hammer later remarried, taking Helena Irena Olova, née Vymazal, an Austrian, as his second wife.
Hammer enlisted in the Militia in 1923, serving initially in the ranks. In 1926, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 8th Infantry Battalion. By 1939, he had achieved the rank of major, having also served in the 17th Light Horse (Machine Gun) Regiment. Following the outbreak of the war, he joined the Second Australian Imperial Force on 8 June 1940, volunteering for overseas service. After a series of regimental postings, including brigade major of 16th Brigade, which was part of the 6th Division, Hammer was sent to the Middle East in 1941. After serving in Greece, the following year he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and placed in command of the 2/48th Battalion, the most decorated Australian infantry battalion of the war.
...
Wikipedia