David Bowen Hamer (1 February 1869 – 17 December 1948)[1] (known as "Taffy") was a Welsh professional footballer who played as a full-back for Southampton St. Mary's in the early years of the Southern League.
Based at Aldershot, he was a member of the Royal Engineers team which won the Hampshire Senior Cup for two successive years in 1889 and 1890,[2] but was on the losing side (against Southampton St. Mary's) in March 1891.
Described as "possessing a terrific volley and deceptive speed for a big man" (his weight was recorded as 13 st 4 lb (84 kg))[2] he never commanded a regular place in the Saints' side making a total of twelve appearances over the next three seasons.
[5] In the following season, Hamer made five appearances as cover for Lachie Thomson,[6] with his final game for the "Saints" coming on 13 March 1897 (replacing Samuel Meston in a 6–2 victory over Northfleet).
[2] In December 1899, Hamer was recalled to active service and was sent to South Africa, where he saw action in the Boer War with the 1st Telegraph Division, Royal Engineers.