The Great War of 1914 to 1918

Reginald Charles Hamer Pre-War Reginald Charles Hamer World War One The Grenadier Guards END Please ‘click’ on one of the following…

Reginald Charles Hamer was born on 26th January, Reginald’s birth certificate records that Martha Hamer, [ nee Owens ], was his mother and Thomas Hamer was his father. Thomas Hamer was a coal- miner in a local colliery.

The Hamer family home, at the time of Reginald’s birth, was at 4, Hill Street, Troedyrhiw. The family moved to live in other houses as time went on. On 18th March, 1908, shortly after his eighteenth birthday, Reginald joined the army. He enlisted in the Grenadier Guards.

Reginald Charles Hamer, Grenadier Guards.

Reginald Charles Hamer, of the Grenadier Guards.

From the time of his enlistment, to October 1914, Reginald was on ‘Home Service’ with the Grenadier Guards. While with his regiment he learned the necessary military skills.

As a Grenadier Guardsman he took part in ‘Trooping The Colour’ ceremonies.

The Grenadier Guards, ‘Trooping The Colour’.

King Edward VII died in 1910 and Guardsman Hamer was on duty for the late King’s ‘Lying In State’. For this, he was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal, [ Bronze ].

The ‘Lying in State’ of King Edward VII.

A postcard portrait of King Edward VII.

A postcard memorial for King Edward VII.

King George V was crowned in 1911 and Guardsman Hamer was on duty on Coronation Day. For this he was awarded the Coronation Medal. A Coronation souvenir.

King George V.

A Coronation souvenir.