Ernest Hardy
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Ernest Hardy was born in 1885 the son of Samuel a boiler maker and Ann Ellen Hardy née Hopkinson of 23 Gauntley Street Hyson Green Nottingham and later 13 Plimsoll Terrace, Hyson Green. Samuel was born in 1855 and Ann Ellen Hopkinson was born in 1861 both were born at Alfreton, they were married in 1876 at Nottingham, they had 16 children, sadly 5 were to die in infancy or early childhood. . Ernest married Frances (Fanny) Shields (born 11th January 1888) on 16th April 1906 at the parish church at South Normanton, they had the following children, Edna May born 27th May 1907, Vincent Ambrose born 13th March 1909, Mary Eileen born 13th August 1913 and Ernest Harry born 25th August 1914. the family lived at 15 Shipstone Street, Hyson Green, In 1911 the family lived at 101 Water Lane, South Normanton, Ernest is 26 yrs and a coal miner hewer, he is living with his wife Francis 23 yrs and their two children, Edna May 3 yrs and Vincent Ambrose 2 yrs. Commencing 3rd July 1916 his widow was awarded a pension of 23 shillings and 6 pence a week.
Sergeant Ernest Hardy enlisted at Mansfield, he initially served with the service number 11966 in the Leicestershire Regiment. He was killed in action on 18th December 1915 and is buried at Point 110 Old Military Cemetery, Fricourt
The Derbyshire Courier published on 8 January 1916 printed the following obituary – “SOUTH NORMANTON SERGEANT KILLED – One of Seven Brothers at the Front – News of the death of Sergeant Ernest Hardy of the 253rd Co. R.E. in France came to hand last weekend at South Normanton and caused profound regret amongst his many friends. The sergeant had an eventful and thrilling career as a soldier. It was on 29 August 1914 that he re-joined the colours. On 28 July last year he went out to the front. He took part in the terrible battle of Loos. In the early part of December his dug-out was blown up and the following letter gives the details of how he met his death. The letter is from Second-Lient. A H Tucker, No. 253 Co. R E. It is dated the 23 December 1915. – “ Dear Mrs hardy, I feel you would perhaps like to hear a few of the details in connection with the sad death of your husband, hence the reason for my writing to you. Whilst on duty in the trenches last Saturday afternoon the enemy commenced a bombardment with trench mortars. One shell fell on some works near by where your husband was working. It imprisoned some men. Sergeant Hardy left the work he was engaged on and went to give what help he could, and was just to point of reaching them when another shell fell in almost the same place as the former one, unfortunately killing your poor husband instantly. Both men and officers of this company, and particularly of this section are deeply grieved at his death, and we one and all wish to tender our deepest sympathies to you and your family in your terrible bereavement. The burial took place at 11 o’clock on Monday morning in the graveyard just behind the trenches, the Chaplain conducting the service according to the rites of the Church of England. Our carpenters have made a wooden cross to mark the spot where your gallant husband lies with the following inscription on it ‘Sergt. E Hardy, No. 11960, 7th Leicester Regiment, attached 253 Co. R E. Killed in Action. R.I.P.’” The sergeant has now six brothers at the front and another at home in training. South Normanton Parish Church was crowded on Sunday evening on the occasion of a special memorial service to Sergt Hardy and to Private Thomas Smith. Numerous friends and relatives attended the service which was solemnly conducted. Special hymns and psalms were sung, and the Rector who occupied the pulpit made fitting and touching reference to the glorious self-sacrifice of the two heroes. Mr. Jas. Slater, the organist, played the Dead March in ‘Saul’ at the close of the service”.
