Frederick William Hardy
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Known as 'Fred' he was born in 1897 the son of Thomas and Harriet Hardy. His father was a platelayer on the railways. Frederick had a younger brother, Frank, and both children and their father had been born in Burton Joyce while their mother had been born in Elston, Nottinghamshire. In 1901 they were living at 26 Walker's Terrace, Meadows, Nottingham. Thomas Hardy died at the early age of 39 on 8 August 1905 and by 1911 Harriet had moved with her sons to 35 Lamcote Grove, also in the Meadows. Harriet was described in the census as a housewife, Frank (12) was still at school and Frederick (14) was now working as an errand boy on the railways. Harriet died in May 1911 aged 41.
Frederick enlisted at Nottingham. He died of wounds received in action and he is buried in Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No 1 in the Somme region of France and his mother requested the wording 'He died nobly, serving his country' be placed on his headstone. He was eligible for the British War and Victory Medals
Family grave and headstone, Burton Joyce (St Helen) churchyard: 'In loving memory of Thomas Hardy who died August 8th 1905 aged 39 years. Also of Harriet the beloved wife of the above who died May 2nd 1911 aged 41 years. Also of Cpl Fred Hardy, son of the above, died of wounds in France, March 26th 1918, aged 21 years. Thy will be done.’ In memoriam published 26th March 1920 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “HARDY. – In loving memory of dear Fred., Corpl. T.M.B., died of wounds in France March 26th, 1918. Not far away, for unbroken is the golden chain of love; it binds us still together on earth and in Heaven above. Fondly remembered. – Fiancée Elsie. “HARDY. – In loving memory of Fred, died of wounds March 26th, 1918. Fondly remembered. – Mr. & Mrs. W. Linley and family.” Above in memoriam are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Register of Soldiers Effects: legatee, brother Frank. Also named on the record was 'Miss Elsie Linby'
