| Location | Plymouth |
| Age | 19 years |
| Cause of Death | In the Line of Duty |
| Date of Birth | 7/1990 |
| Date of Death | 01/07/2009 |
| Visitors | 2,241 since 03/07/2009 |
| Creator |
Trooper Joshua Hammond, of 2nd Royal Tank Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday 1 July 2009, in Afghanistan, just a week before his 19th birthday.
Along with Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, he was killed in an explosion while on a convey along the Shamalan Canal, which is near Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
The UK Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said "Trooper Joshua Hammond was by all accounts an exemplary soldier, popular with his comrades and a true family man. Tributes to his bravery, skill and commitment to his friends and family paint a picture of a good and much-loved man whose contribution and presence will be hugely missed by all those who knew him."
Commanding Officer of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment Lt Col Marcus Simson said "Trooper Joshua Hammond enlisted in the Army aged 16 and a half and attended the Army Foundation College in Harrogate to complete his initial training. From Harrogate, having been accepted into the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, Trooper Hammond moved to Bovington to learn his trade as a Challenger 2 tank driver.
"He arrived with the Regiment in Tidworth in May 2008, shortly before his 18th birthday and within months had deployed with his Squadron to Canada where he spent a happy and fulfilling three months training on the Prairie. He quickly established himself as a professional and capable young soldier, full of potential and with a future full of promise.
"On his return from Canada, Trooper Hammond volunteered to change Squadron in order to deploy to Afghanistan. He threw himself into life in his new Squadron, the pre-deployment training and his conversion to the Viking vehicle that he would be operating in Theatre.
"He deployed with his Squadron to Afghanistan exactly a month ago. In the month he had in Theatre, he proved himself to be a superb soldier. Fit, courageous, and robust, he was the first to volunteer, the first to muck in and the first to offer help to others. But he was so much more than that.
"For he was at the heart of everything that was going on. He was full of laughter, was always ready to listen and he cared deeply about his mates."
Thinking of You
I never knew Josh but the day that I heard of his death I wrote a song about him. Each time I play it I think again of Josh, his friends and family and the families of all the those who lost their lives serving their country under the government’s we elected and who may feel that their loss is not remembered. I am not sure that this is the right place for the lyrics but you can see them at:-
http://davidraines.blogspot.com/
my thoughts are with you
If memories bring you closer
We are never far apart
Not a day will I forget you
You'll always be in my heart
~~
A seat with a view
We never met you Josh but whenever we walk the Wembury pathway we take a rest on your bench and look out towards that wonderful view and think of you.
Happy 21st Birthday Sweetie
In Gods garden up above
Stands a rose we dearly love
He stands with petals open wide
Watered by the tears we've cried
His fragrance fills our lives each day
Locked in our hearts he will always stay
~~
So sorry........
I came across your seat last weekend Joshua, on the coast path at Wembury. I thought that it was so sad that your life was not much much longer. I have a couple of young children. I would be desperate & inconsolable if anything happened to them. Your family, fiancee & friends must feel like this, my heart & thoughts go out to them all.
Your seat is in a beautiful place, fitting for such a fine, young man. I hope that going & sitting on it brings some kind of comfort to those that knew you.
RIP Joshua. You're in the thoughts of a lot of people
Toby Harnett
A year has passed yet the heartache remains. Our eldest nephew taken way before your time. We are so proud of you, there isnt a day that goes by that your not in our thoughts. Love you always and forever sweetheart xxx
A thousand times we needed you
A thousand times we cried
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died
A heart of gold stopped beating
two twinkling eyes closed to rest
God broke our hearts to prove he only took the best
never a day goes by that you’re not in my heart and my soul.
Sleep well Josh xxxxxxx
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell
Love you so much son my life will never be the same again ive got to be strong for your little brothers and sisters and i will because i know thats what you want me to do. Iam not afraid of dying now josh because i will be back with you my boy xxxx
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