It is very regretful that we have to report the death of another former Dulwich Hamlet footballer.
This morning saw the peaceful passing of John Hammond, The 84 year old had been taken seriously ill a few weeks ago. Coming only a week after the sudden death of Kimm Connett it has been a very sad period for the club.
John was born in Islington on 27 Oct 1938 and became a Dulwich player in the late 1950s.
During his National Service – when young men in their late teens were conscripted into the Armed Forces for a couple of years – John served in the Royal Army Pay Corps. It was whilst playing for the football team that he met and became close friends with Roy Wootton. Roy encouraged John to get a trial with Dulwich Hamlet as soon as he finished his service. Both Roy and John went on to have good careers with the Hamlet.
His position in the Dulwich side also meant a job opening as a junior clerk with Office Cleaning Services. OCS were connected with Dulwich Hamlet for decades and many players worked for the company.
A solid defender, right fullback or centre half, John was elected the club’s vice-captain several times over a career that spanned the 1960s. John’s son Richard told me that although his father escaped major injuries …he did manage to collect several broken noses!
One of the highlights of his playing days was the opening of the Champion Hill floodlights in October 1964, when Football League leaders Chelsea brought their first team squad of professionals to take on the Hamlet amateurs.
He retired from his playing career with Dulwich Hamlet at the end of the 1969/70 season, having made 247 appearances. He then became an active member of the board. His achievements included organising the building of the squash courts at the old Champion Hill ground.
Our deepest sympathies to son Richard and the rest of the family.
1959/60 12
1960/61 26
1961/62 29
1962/63 39
1963/64 24
1964/65 30
1965/66
1966/67 35
1967/68 26
1968/69 14
1969/70
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