Merit Class Constable 249, Walter Hardy D.C.M. Walter, the only son of Thomas Treadgold Hardy, of Queen St., Bottesford, Nottingham,50 was a Waggoner51 before joining the Derbyshire Constabulary on July 16th 1908 at the age of 21 years52. He was initially posted to Ilkeston, moving to Chaddesden in 1912 where he was commended for the capture of bicycle thieves. On May 31st 1915, whilst stationed at Bolsover, Chesterfield, he was given permission to resign having enlisted into the 16th Btn, (Sherwood Foresters) Notts & Derbys Rgt. In 1917 Sergeant 26867 Hardy was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. ‘During an attack upon 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’53. As a soldier serving in the Fifth Army Walter was killed in action on 21st March 191854 when, as a result of overwhelming numbers, the Allies were pushed back over the former Somme battlefields55. He is remembered on Panel 52 to 54. Pozieres Memorial.

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