Heritage Spotlight - Auckland
The Rugby Club’s collection of memorabilia started and grew as the club was the physical home of rugby administration in Sydney for many years.
Of course, it was and then continued to be the social hub for local rugby players and supporters and the welcoming place for tourists. It was the logical place for rugby treasures to be housed, preserved and promoted.
Amongst the collection are two treasured caps of Wallaby #309 John Douglas Campbell ‘Bill’ Hammon.
New Zealand born and educated (Palmerston North HS and Auckland Grammar), he was a member of the AGS 1st XV that won successive championships in 1929 and 1930. (Cap in collection which notes the two championships)
He then represented Auckland when he left school. (Cap in collection)
Bill emigrated to Melbourne and played club and state rugby there, culminating in his selection to the Wallabies against South Africa in 1937.
In 1940 he enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force. Hammon joined the Machine Gun Battalion where he went on to attain the rank of captain.
Captured in 1942 Hammon became a POW in Java and was later appointed as Camp Adjutant.
After the war Hammon was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for ‘meritorious service and devotion in Syria and Java’ with his ‘personal courage and leadership being an inspiration to his men”. Read full player profile on the Classic Wallabies website
The Auckland Blues 2004 jersey is a part of the club’s collection that was rotated in and out of the Club to highlight club, state, province and national team visitors.