Bill Hammond

Bill Hammond had a long and successful career as a fencer, specialising in the sabre. He joined the Army, and served with the 20th Middlesex (Artists’) Rifle Volunteer Corps. In 1904 he competed in the sabre event at the Royal Military Show and in 1911 won the first of three national sabre titles. He won a second title just before World War I, and after the hostilities appeared in the team event at the 1920 Olympics, and went on to win his third national title in1921 at the age of 49. He was honorary secretary of the Sabre Club at the time. That same year, he travelled with the British team across the Atlantic for the match against the USA.

Hammond represented Great Britain against the United States again in 1923 in the Thomson Trophy match at London’s Hotel Cecil. He enjoyed three victories and played his part in helping Britain to a 24-22 win. The following year, and beyond the age of 50, Hammond competed at his second Olympics at Paris. His son James was also a sabreur, and competed in the National Sabre Championship.