Born 8th August 1898 in Colombo, Ceylon. His father was English and mother, Kandyan Sinhalese. Educated at Kingswood College, Kandy, Ceylon.
Enlisted in 5th Bn Coldstream Guards 17th February 1917 at the age of 18 years and 7 months, stating that he was 21 years old. (He was amongst the first non-white men recruited into a Guards Regt). Volunteered to be sent to France with the 2nd Bn 6th October 1917. Suffered Shell shock on 28th February 1918. Was wounded near Cambrai 9th October 1918. Was awarded Military Medal for bravery in the field. Was demobilised after serving 2yrs and 145 days at the end of WW1.
Returned to Ceylon and took up a career in Planting. Married Violet Winter on 28th July 1928 at St Pauls Church, Kandy. Had three sons – Rex Kenneth Hermon, Maurice Alfred Hermon and Richard (Dickie) Hermon.
During the depression, he was employed by James Finlay & Co Ltd, and was the first non-expatriate Ceylonese to be employed by that Agency house. He was Senior Asst Supdt on Pelmadulla Valley Group, Kahawatte. He was promoted Manager, Mahawella Group Ratnapura; retired from James Finlay and worked on Miyanawita Estate, Deraniyagala, and Templestowe Estate, Rozelle.
He bought a small Rubber Estate Meelagashena, in Galagedera. Which he owned for some time. He was a Visiting Agent, and Director of Various plantation companies. He subsequently retired due to ill health and moved to Lady McCallum’s Drive in Katugastota. He was a keen sportsman, Cricketer and Tennis player and enjoyed playing for Ratnapura Cricket and Tennis teams. His passion for the Ceylon Jungles, hunting and fishing was very strong. He was a very good shot.
He Died on 22nd June 1970 in Colombo, Ceylon.
Comments
(In keeping with the objectives of this website, all COMMENTS must be made in the spirit of contributing to the history of this estate, planter or person i.e. names, dates & anecdotes. Critical evaluations or adverse comments of any sort are not acceptable and will be deleted without notice – read full Comments Policy here)