| 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 | 963 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."
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
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
My Friend and future brother in law
Josh was engaged to my sister, he was a great lad and was liked by everyone who knew him. I wouldn't pick anyone else for my sister those two were perfect for each other. It's such a shame it came to this horrible end, josh you were already family in my eyes you were a true mate. Time for you to rest now. I will miss you and i will never forget you or all the times you took me to get food. :) R.I.P mate you earned it.
hero
eternal light shine on you hero and all your comrades in gods loving care xxxxxx wrap your love round all who miss and love you xxxxxxxxx
RIP
Sleep well young man, you did your job well and showed everyone that we shouldnt be scared we should all be as brave as you and all the other men and women who have died from our Army. Well look up to you, god bless you, look after your family and fiancee from the clouds they still need.
Laura - mummy to an angel baby xxx
Hero
So sad, Plymouth mourns the loss of one of it's own.
Rest well brave lad we will not forget your sacrifice.
a soldier's mum x.
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