Mexborough and Swinton Times, October 28, 1916

Mexborough Veteran in France

Staff Sgt A.R.Hammond (A.S.C., M.T.), of Mexborough has been home for 10 days from the Sommefront, and returned to France last Friday.

He volunteered in October 1914, was then employed in a responsible position at the British Westphalite Company’s Works, and he went to France in July 1915.

He is an old soldier, having joined the Rifle Brigade in 1897, Steve spent seven years in India, and saw fighting on the Afghan frontier, and has been in Malta, Gibraltar, and Egypt.

While in France he has had the privilege of being in charge of the convoy which took his old regiment and equipment into action. During his 14 months service at the front he has had many narrow escapes. On one occasion the front part of the convoy was seriously damaged by enemy shells. His account of the “tanks” is amusing and interesting, and is fully confident of the ultimate success of the Allies.

Although, like others, he has had many hardships to face, he declares he’s fit and well and ready for further service.