Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Treadgold Hardy, an agricultural labourer, born 1855 in Bottesford, Leicestershire, who was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth Hardy (nee Treadgold) and his wife Sarah Ellen Hardy (nee Paulson, married in the 2nd quarter of 1886 in the Grantham, Lincolnshire district), born 1864 in Eakring, Nottinghamshire. Walter was born in the 3rd quarter of 1887 in Bottesford, he had one sibling, a sister Ethel Ada, born 1890 in Bottesford, in April 1891 the family home was at Queen Street, Bottesford. In the 3rd quarter of 1896 in the Grantham, Lincolnshire district, Walter’s mother died, aged 32, his sister Ethel also died in the same quarter, aged 6. In March 1901 Walter was residing in the family home at 13, Queen Street, Bottesford with his widowed father, a farm horseman. In April 1911 Walter was absent from the family home at 14, Queen Street, Bottesford, residing there was his widowed father an agricultural labourer, Walter was serving as a Police Constable and was residing as a boarder at 63, Stanton Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
Walter attested into the Army on a Short Service engagement (For the Duration of the War) on the 1st June 1915 in Chesterfield. He gave his full address as 69, High Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, his age as 27 years and 6 months and his trade or calling as Police Officer. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his father, Thomas Hardy of Queen Street, Bottesford, Leicestershire as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 10 inches in height, weighed 184 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 36 and 39 inches. His physical development was described as good. He was pronounced fit for the Army on the 1st June 1915 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Nottinghamshire and Derby Regiment (Sherwood Foresters) at Buxton as a Private, service number 26867 on the 1/6/15. Posted to the 16th Battalion Nottinghamshire and Derby Regiment (Sherwood Foresters) on the 1/6/15 - 8/6/15. Transferred to Redmires Camp on the 9/6/15. Appointed acting Lance Corporal on the 13/7/15. Appointed paid Lance Corporal on the 31/7/15. Transferred to Hursley Park on the 2/9/15. Appointed Corporal on the 4/9/15. Transferred to Aldershot on the 30/9/15 – 8/11/15. Transferred to Witley Camp, Surrey on the 8/11/15 - -?- Embarked from Southampton to join the British Expeditionary Force in France on the 6/3/16. Promoted Acting Sergeant in the field on the 15/5/16. Confirmed in the rank of Sergeant from the 15/5/16. Admitted to the 34th Field Ambulance suffering from myalgia on the 2/11/16. Returned to duty in the field on the 6/11/16. Granted -?- Class I from the 1/6/17. Granted leave to England on the 12/6/17 – 22/6/17. Awarded the D.C.M. in the field on the 19/10/17. Granted leave from 30/1/18 – 13/2/18. Killed in action in the field on the 21-31/3/18. Walter’s surviving service documents are in poor condition, and much of the finer detail relating to the period of time that he spent in the army, is either illegible or missing, hence the sparse overall description of his military and personal family history.
The citation in the London Gazette dated 26th January 1918 reads:- “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack on enemy trenches he was the first man in his platoon to reach them, and promptly bombed two dug-outs. Later in the day when his officer became a casualty, he showed great gallantry and ability in commanding his platoon, under heavy shell and rifle fire. In addition to this, he acted as company sergeant major for five days, and rendered most valuable services to his commander under trying circumstances, setting a splendid example of coolness, cheerful spirits, and untiring energy to his men.”
On Friday February 1st 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – BOTTESFORD. – LOCAL MAN’S CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY. – The “London Gazette” on Monday contained the following particulars of the deeds which gained the Distinguished Conduct Medal for 26867 Sergt. W. Hardy, Notts. and Derbyshire Regiment (Bottesford).- For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack upon enemy trenches he was the first man in his platoon to reach them, and promptly bombed two dugouts. later in the day, when his officer became a casualty, he showed great gallantry and ability in commanding his platoon under heavy shell and rifle fire. In addition to this he acted as company sergeant major for five days, and tendered most valuable services to his commander under trying circumstances, setting a splendid example of coolness, cheerful spirits, and untiring energy to his men.
The War Diary records: 21 Mar-18 – SOREL LE GRAND. Heavy high explosive and gas bombardment commenced at 4.30am, a few shells dropping in the camp. The Battalion left the camp at 7.00am and marched to SORREL WOOD in dense fog and heavy gas. Box respirators being worn, 23 gas casualties. About 8.00pm Major H.R. STEVENS M.C. and Captain J. W. J. MILLAR D.S.O., D.C.M., and 110 details moved to HAUT ALLAINES. At 9.00pm orders were received for the Battalion to proceed and dig a switch line at LONGUEVAL. On completion the line was garrisoned.
The War Diary records: 22 Mar-18 – LONGUEVAL. During the morning along the battle front troops began to fall back and by 2.30pm the Battalion was in touch with the enemy. Heavy machine gun fire from enemy aircraft. Battalions on the flanks were attacked at 3.00pm, and at 6.20pm, flanks having given way the Battalion had orders to withdraw by platoons to BOIS DE BEURRE, rearguard action being fought by “A” and “C” Companies. Assembly was completed at BOIS DE BEURRE at 8.00pm. At 11.00pm the Battalion moved into support of the 17th Battalion KING’S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS and 16th Battalion RIFLE BRIGADE who were holding the GREEN LINE at TINCOURT WOOD. Captain L. J. B. HARRISON took command of the Battalion vice Lieutenant Colonel J. R. WEBSTER D.S.O., M.C., who was wounded and believed taken prisoner.
The War Diary records: 23 Mar-18 – MONT ST. QUENTIN. At 8.00am orders were received to withdraw and take up a line from BEUNE to NURLU – PERONNE ROAD. At 1.00pm the Battalion withdrew from this line under pressure and took up a line at MONT ST. QUENTIN. Major H. R. STEVENS M.C., rejoined from details and assumed command of the Battalion. The Battalion was nearly surrounded during the fighting at this point and fell back fighting towards CLERY. Here the Battalion was reorganised and formed a defensive flank along with small parties of various units. An enemy attack was repulsed.
The War Diary records: 24 Mar-18 – CLERY. During the day the line was withdrawn across the river and at 8.00pm the bridge was blown up.
The War Diary records: 25 Mar-18 – HERBECOURT. A quiet day. At 11.00pm the enemy attacked heavily on flanks and the Battalion was nearly surrounded and withdrew to a line near HERBECOURT and dug in.
The War Diary records: 26 Mar-18 – The enemy heavily attacked our line, capturing HERBECOURT and another withdrawal was necessary. The Battalion fell back fighting all the way, fighting rearguard action for the Division and formed the main line at PROGART. The Battalion was heavily shelled.
The War Diary records: 27 Mar-18 – MORCOURT. The enemy delivered heavy infantry attacks at daybreak. Enormous casualties were inflicted by our rifle and Lewis gun fire throughout the day. The Division on our right having given way, the Battalion withdrew to high ground at MORCOURT fighting stubbornly.
The War Diary records: 28 Mar-18 – CAYEUX. Information was received about 1.00am that the enemy had crossed the SOMME further South and had take LAMOTTE in our rear and was still attacking. The Battalion withdrew to CAYEUX by orders and took up a position in a wood. The enemy attacked and was repulsed with heavy losses, 4 prisoners being left in our hands. Owing to the further advance of the enemy in our rear, the Battalion was ordered to withdraw to high ground near AUBERCOURT, enemy shelling still being very heavy.
The War Diary records: 29 Mar-18 – AUBERCOURT. The enemy put up a heavy barrage on our new line. No infantry action in our sector during the day although enemy shelling was heavy throughout.
The War Diary records: 30 Mar-18 – HANGARD. The Battalion withdrew to rest to HANGARD WOOD. Orders were received to prepare to counter attack. Half an hour later the Battalion moved forward and attacked the ridge North of HANGARD WOOD and forced the enemy to retire causing him very heavy casualties. The Battalion dug in with entrenching tools under heavy shell and machine gun fire. A heavy enemy attack turned our flanks and the Battalion reassembled and attacked again under 2nd Lieutenant G. POWELL regaining the same position and capturing an enemy machine gun which was turned upon the enemy. Our right was again driven in by an enemy attack and the Battalion again fell back. The Battalion again counter attacked with 2nd Lieutenant G. POWELL in command and the positions were again regained. The Battalion here suffered heavy casualties.
The War Diary records: 31 Mar-18 – LONGNEU. No infantry actions took place. The Battalion were relieved by ANZAC troops and proceeded to billets in LONGNEU.
Casualties:- From March 21st – March 31st were as follows:-
Lieutenant Colonel J. R. WEBSTER, D.S.O., M.C., missing 22-3-18.
Major H. R. STEVENS, M.C., wounded 24-3-18.
Captain L. J. B. HARRISON, killed in action 27-3-18.
Captain T. C. O. WILLIAMS, M.C., wounded 24-3-18 (died of wounds 27-3-18).
Lieutenant F. M. GOSLING, M.C., wounded 22-3-18.
Lieutenant C. E. GARLAND, wounded 28-3-18.
Lieutenant R. C. DAVIES, M.C., wounded 31-3-18.
Lieutenant R. M. DRYNAN, wounded 31-3-18.
Lieutenant G. REECE, wounded 22-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant C. E. ROBINSON, wounded 31-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant E. E. WILSON, wounded 22-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant R. N. BARKER, wounded 23-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant C. E. ALLEN, wounded 22-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant A. G. HOLLOWAY, killed in action 24-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant W. H. FOXON, wounded 31-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant H. DRABBLE, wounded 24-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant G. E. WOOD, wounded 27-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant C. H. ROLLASON, wounded 30-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant N. S. DYE, wounded and missing 25-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant H. B. BUSWELL, wounded and missing 31-3-18.
2nd Lieutenant F. NURSE, missing 30-3-18.
OTHER RANKS:- 14 Killed. 104 Missing. 179 Wounded.