Revd T B Hardy V.C., Western Front 1917 Painted, C59b

During the period of Battle when Padre Hardy won his Victoria Cross he was serving as Chaplain to the 8th Battalion, The Lincolnshire Regiment, who as part of the 37th Division were attempting to capture the area of Rossingnol Wood. During a month of intensive front-line action Hardy behaved with great gallantry which was noted on three particular occasions. During the chaos as the initial attack stalled and with shell, mortar and small arms fire all around he went out up to 400 meters into no-mans land to recover the wounded. Then, as the battalion organised a firing line, a 'post' took a direct hit by a large shell, and was buried with men inside. Under heavy fire the Padre took a shovel and dug out one man who was still alive and the body of his comrade. Afterwards and over a number of days the British Infantry were forced back to their starting positions. During this time the battle broke down into pockets of confused fighting and Padre Hardy remained in the most exposed positions helping to carry in the wounded.

After the depleted Battalion came out of action Theodore Hardy was personally recommended for his Victoria Cross by the Battalion's Commanding Officer and it was presented to him on the field By King George V.

Sadly Theodore Bayley Hardy did not survive the war. On the 11th October 1918 he was back in the firing line on the River Selle, Briastres. As he made his way around the front-line posts bringing comfort to the soldiers with his cheery, "It's only me boys" he was hit by an enemy bullet in the thigh, which it was hoped was not too serious. Under heavy fire the stretcher party carried him back to the 'Forward Dressing Station' and afterwards he was sent to the Army Field Hospital at Rouen. At Rouen Hospital the Reverend Bayley Hardy developed pneumonia and fell gravely ill. He died on the 18th October 1918, two days before his 55th Birthday and three weeks before the end of the war. He is buried at St Sever Military Cemetery, Rouen.

Limited Edition of 750.

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