We Remember

John Hardy

Rank: 
Sergeant Major
Regimental number: 
312892
Unit at enlistment: 
8th Brigade C.F.A., 41st Battery
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
Yes
Wounded: 
Yes
Birth country: 
England
Birth county: 
Norfolk
Birth city: 
Thetford
Address at enlistment: 
29 Rawdon Street, Brantford, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
29 Rawdon Street, Brantford, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Labourer
Employer: 
Verity Plow Co.
Religious denominations: 
Church of England
Marital status: 
Married
Age at enlistment: 
31
Image gallery: 

Letters and documents

BX August 27, 1914

Appreciated the Send-Off – Reservists Express Their Thanks, Through Mayor Spence to the Citizens
 
The eighteen army reservists who left Brantford on Monday were greatly pleased with the "farewell" extended to them by the citizens of Brantford, who with the Dufferin Rifles at full strength, gathered at the armories to say good-bye to the boys, and later accompanied them to the station, where they were given a rousing send-off – one which will long be remembered by them.

That the soldier boys were pleased with the citizens way of saying "goodbye" and showing their good wishes to the boys, as well as of assuring them that their families would not want during the time that the bread-winners were away is shown by the following letter received by Mayor Spence from Sergt-Major J. Hardy of the 32nd Battery of this city, a reservist of the Royal Garrison Artillery.
 
August 18, 1914
Quebec
 
Mayor J.H. Spence
Brantford, Ont.
 
Dear Sir,
 
Allow me to thank the citizens of Brantford, through you, on behalf of the members of the army reserve who left Brantford on August 17, for the splendid send-off, especially considering the short notice given us which was accorded us, and which was heartily appreciated by us. We also thank you for your address and good wishes, and we are sure that our families will be looked after under Col. Ashton, Col. Howard and yourself, to the best of your abilities. We all know, further, that anything brought forward for their welfare will receive the support of every citizen of Brantford.

We are in the hope of all returning safely when the flag for which we are fighting is hoisted in Berlin. Thanking you and all the officials once again for the splendid send-off at such short notice.

I am yours sincerely,

John Hardy
Sergt.-Major R.G.A.

BX April 27, 1917

Casualty List for Brantford is High Again

Mrs. J. Hardy, 19 Rawdon Street, received word from Ottawa on Wednesday afternoon that her husband, Brigade Sergeant Major John Hardy was dangerously wounded on April 21.

This officer, who was a member of H.M. Army and Navy Veterans, Brantford, was a gunner in the Imperial service, and had one month to serve in the reserve at the time war was declared. He was one of the first to leave Brantford, going direct overseas. On reaching England he joined his old regiment and served on the south coast for nearly two years, when he obtained his discharge and came to Brantford. There being no opening for him in the local regiments, he was advised by Mr. Fielden, president of the association to offer his services to General Logie at Toronto. The day after his application he received notice that he was accepted and given rank of sergeant-major in one of the batteries of artillery then forming in Toronto. He entered with so great enthusiasm into the task of drilling the men, nearly all university recruits, that in a few weeks the battery passed inspection and was drafted off to France, where it has been in the thick of the fighting ever since. Over two months ago Sergeant Major John Hardy was recommended and obtained the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery and has since been offered a commission, but refused it, taking warrant work instead, and his officers and old comrades sincerely hope that he may recover and be enabled to return to Brantford.

BX November 23, 1917
 
Invalided Soldiers

The following men are at present at Halifax and will probably come forward in two sections. The first section is expected to arrive in Toronto at the end of the week; H. Blanchard, 54 Oxford Street; H. Churchward, 105 Cayuga Street; J. Hardy, 29 Rawdon Street; A. Lamb, 90 Oxford Street; J. Rumble, 59 Strathcona Street; A.H. Selmes, 74 Spring Street; G. Sowers, Ruth Street; R. Waterhouse, c/o D. Secord, Oakland P.O.

BX December 4, 1917
 
Two Veterans Arrived Home – More Expected to Come to the City Today or Tuesday

Two Brantford veterans returned home Saturday afternoon. The Soldiers’ Aid Commission and the G.W.V.A. had deputations to meet the 3.52 G.T.R. train from Toronto on Saturday afternoon, expecting to meet H. Blanchard of 53 Oxford Street; H. Churchward, 105 Cayuga; Sergt J. Hardy, 29 Rawdon Street, and A. Lamb, 90 Oxford Street. None of these men however arrived. The Soldiers’ Aid Commission which was represented by Ald. Dowling and Mr. George MacDonald then met the 4.36 T.H. and B. train and on this arrived Privates Blanchard and Hardy. The other two men who were expected had broken their journey at Hamilton and were to return later by radial. The seven other men H.W. Parks, 79 Palace Street; G.B. Ramsay, 6 Spring Street; J. Rumble, 59 Strathcona Avenue; A.H. Selmes, 74 Spring Street; G. Sowers, Ruth Street and A. Waterhouse Oakland, P.O., who are the balance of the party expected last week, will likely arrive sometime today. Further word has been received that five more men will reach Toronto today. They are William Abbott, 103 Sydenham Street; E.G. Hall, 284 St. Paul Avenue; J.A. Pennell, 41 Spring Street; C.E. Warner, 17 Balfour Street.

BX January 5, 1916

Veteran Given an Appointment – Sergeant Major John Hardy, Discharged British Reservist, Received Position

Friends of Mr. John Hardy, 29 Rawdon Street, will be pleased to know he has enlisted with the 41st Battery, C.F.A., at Exhibition Camp, Toronto, with the rank of Sergeant Major. Mr. Hardy was a reservist, residing here when war was declared and was acting sergeant-major for the 32nd Battery, under Colonel Ernest Ashton when it was first formed two years ago. Sergt.-Major Hardy took his discharge from the Imperial army in December, time expired.

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