Rifleman Robert Hammill

 

Unit : 1st Battalion The Royal Ulster Rifles.

Army No. : 155042

Awards : Military Medal

 

On 24th March 1945 Rifleman Hammill's glider crash landed in flames South of Hamminkeln. The glider immediately became a machine gun target for enemy spandaus not 70 yards away. The platoon suffered fourteen casualties. Rifleman Hammill had three fingers of his right hand blown off and his face was so burnt as to be quite unrecognisable.

 

Despite his severe wounds Rifleman Hammill saved his platoon commander's life by putting him out of the burning glider and bringing him to consciousness. He pulled his Platoon Commander into a ditch being calm and brave in all his actions. He then himself became unconscious. His was a strength of will and devotion hardly credible.

 

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