William Henry Hardy
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William was born in Gringley in 1890 and was the son of Henry George a pork butcher and Elizabeth Hardy; They had 8 children and in the 1911 census the family are shown living at Gringley, William is shown as being 21 years and a grocer's assistant. Also present are sisters Edith A, Mabel, Doris and brothers Frank and John Edward; two other siblings are not present, one being Bertha. His father, Henry George, died 1 December 1918 aged 65. His sister Bertha, the wife of William Bee, died 28 February 1972 aged 85 years. Bertha's son, Thomas Henry Bee, died aged 30 in India in 1943 while serving with the Sherwood Foresters.
William enlisted in Retford and originally served with the 2/5th battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment, but was later posted to 1st/22nd Bn The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) London Regiment. He was killed in action on 30th August 1918 aged 28 years and is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Haucourt, France
Inscription family headstone, Gringley on the Hill cemetery: 'In loving memory of Henry George, dearly loved husband of Elizabeth Hardy, who died Dec 1st 1918 aged 65 years. Also of William Henry, beloved son of the above, killed in action Aug 31st (sic) 1918, aged 28 years. Peace perfect peace. And of daughter, Bertha, wife of William Bee, died Feb 26th 1972 aged 85 years. Also grandson Thomas Henry Bee (Sherwood Foresters) died in India 1943 aged 30. Edna Mary Snell, died 26th Sept 2011 aged 99 years. Grandaughter' Source, ‘Gringley a Tribute to the 24 ‘ published July 2014 by the Gringley History Club. www.gohistory.org.uk (Courtesy of Alan Hickman)
