11 Platoon, B Company (David I. Fairweather's platoon), SH of C in vicinity of Pozzo Alto, Italy marching out of Gothic Line at the end of August, 1944. The lead man is Sgt Hammond who is carrying a Thompson 1928 or Thompson 1928A1 SMG. The Seaforths were in the vicinity of Pozzo Alto, Italy - 25 August / 3 September 1944. The photo was taken before 30 November, 1944 when it was published in "The Canadian Veteran". (Toronto) Vol. XII. No. 11. Rear of Photo: "Pretty Fair picture" / D.I. Fairweather / No - my platoon marching out / Prelude to the Gothic Line Italy / Pre 30 Nov, 1944 K52143 Cpl. (Lance Sergeant) Harold Roy HAMMOND, MM served in the Seaforths from 12.September 1939 - 14 January 1945. He was wounded on 30 January 1944. HAMMOND, Harold Roy, Corporal (Lance-Sergeant) (K.52143) - Military Medal - Infantry (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada) - awarded as per Canada Gazette and CARO/5304, both dated 27 January 1945. On 26 August 1944, 11 Platoon, "B" Company, the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, led an attack on the town of Passo Alto (Map Reference 8082672 - Reference Map Italy 1:50,000 Sheet 109-11). Heavy shelling and machine gun fire caused considerable casualties but the Platoon Commander, Lance-Sergeant Hammond, the Platoon Sergeant and twelve men succeeded in gaining the objective. Prisoners were captured who gave information which led to the platoon being withdrawn from the town to permit firing of a heavy artillery concentration. On return of the platoon, four men were unaccounted for. In spite of the known enemy strength and our own coming artillery fire, Lance-Sergeant Hammond immediately went back alone to find his men. He got into the town through intense machine gun fire and captured a prisoner by himself. The prisoner gave information that the four missing men were in German hands, so Lance-Sergeant Hammond brought this prisoner back to our lines. Throughout the action Lance-Sergeant Hammond's outstanding gallantry was an inspiration to all ranks which contributed greatly to the eventual complete success of the action.