Stephen Augustine Hammond was born on 5 February 1958, the elder child of Augustine Hammond (1920-1983) and Constance M. Hammond née Stephenson (1925-2014). His birth was registered in the Stepney registration district. The birth of his younger sister, Carol Hammond, was registered in the 2nd quarter of 1961, also in the Stepney registration district.
Electoral registers from 1958 to 1965 show his parents listed at 48 Hind Grove, Poplar.
On 22 September 1990, as heating and ventilation engineer aged 32 years, he had been one of a four man party of workmen employed by Floyd Construction (London) Ltd to deal with a blocked sewer under Watney Market, Commercial Road, Stepney. Having pumped out the water, he was the first to enter the sewerage chamber but collapsed half way down the steps. He was followed by David Richardson and then by Paul Richardson, both of whom collapsed on top of him after being overcome by hydrogen sulphide gas. All three were taken to hospital. David Richardson was pronounced dead on arrival. On 24 September 1990 the life support machines for him and Paul Richardson were turned off.
His body was cremated on 8 October 1990 in the Newham district. Probate records confirm that his address had been 56 Windermere Avenue, Elm Park, Hornchurch, Essex and that when administration of his estate was granted on 26 March 1991 his effects totalled £191,491.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk and Andrew Behan.
