Frederick Hammersley (born 1824)

He served during the Siege of Sebastopol during the Crimean War[2] with the rank of Brevet Major (June 1856) and Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General.

[4] Investigations after the War decided that so many had died owing to their poor physical condition, resulting in their inability to fight off the effects of the diseases.

[8][9] On completing the course it was apparent that each man's physical fitness had considerably improved and they became the foundation of what was to be called the Army Gymnastic Staff (AGS).

Hammersley, described as "a man of outstanding ability" and a "practical athlete with one of the finest physical developments I have ever seen" disregarded his father's advice and accepted the offer.

Through his efforts and dedication to improving the physical fitness of the British soldier, gymnastics training in the Army was successfully established.

Other members of the AGS joined Army units where they instructed soldiers in fencing, gymnastics and other elements of physical training in addition to organisimg recreational sporting activities.