Lieutenant David Hardy MM MiD
11th Australian Garrison Artillery, AMF
11th Battalion, AIF
by Robert Simpson
David Hardy was born in St. Arnaud, Victoria in 1879, a son to George Hardy and Johanna O’Brien. George had been born in Halifax Yorkshire in 1831 and had migrated to Australia in 1855, arriving at Melbourne in January 1856. He lived in Glenorchy and was a grazier. George married Johanna in 1859. She was born in 1840. David was one of twelve children to them. He was the third youngest and one of eight brothers. No one else in the family served in the military. Nothing else is known of his early life.
He served with the 11th Australian Garrison Artillery of the AMF for 14 years, which must include time in Victoria and maybe in Western Australia. His service records state he left at his own request.
By 1913, he had moved to Freemantle in Western Australia and was living at 48 Cantonment Street. His occupation was a wharf lumper. Also in 1913 he married Isabella Franklin in Freemantle. In the 1916 and 1917 electoral rolls, he was listed as living at 29 Point Street and was listed as a wharf labourer; even though by then he was actually serving. Isabella was listed as living at 69 Adelaide Street and was doing home duties. They did have one child, Lucy, but her date of birth is only listed as 1914 in Fremantle. Isabella had previously been married to Arthur Franklin on 22nd August 1908 in Semaphore, South Australia. Her maiden name was Fairbairn and she had been born in 1872 in Victoria, a daughter to Thomas Fairburn (1825 to 1899) and Margaret Grant (1829 to 1908). Both of them had been born in Scotland and passed away in Victoria.
They were living at 29 Court Street, Fremantle when David enlisted, as noted on his enlistment form.
David enlisted on 17th August 1914 at Helena Vale in Western Australia. He was part on the 11th Battalion in the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Australian Division. He was given the service number 441 with the rank of Private in D Company. His religion was Roman Catholic. David was described as being 36 years old, height of 5 foot 7¾ inches, weight of 12 stone 4 pounds, chest measurement of 38 inches, and of dark complexion with dark eyes and black hair. He had spots of pigment on the inner side of his left thigh. Lieutenant-Colonel James Lyon Johnson, the Commanding Officer of the 11th Battalion, signed his certificate of appointment to the 11th battalion at Blackboy Hill on 6th October 1914. His service was for the duration of the war and for 4 months afterwards if required. He was a Private from 14th August to 31st August 1914, then was promoted to Colour Sergeant from 1st September to 31st December 1914, on reorganisation of the Battalion into platoon companies. They embarked on HMAT Ascanius A11 from Fremantle on 2nd November 1914. (Another record has 31st October). On 1st January 1915, he was appointed to B Company Quartermaster Sergeant, which he held to 10th January 1915. He reverted to the rank of Corporal at his own request on 11th January, and he held that rank up to 5th April 1915. On 6th April he was promoted to Lance Sergeant.
On 2nd March 1915, he embarked on HMT Suffolk to join MEF (Gallipoli Peninsula) at Alexandria. He was admitted to No. 1 Stationary Hospital at Lemnos on 23rd March 1915 and was discharged to re-join his unit on 14th April 1915. He was involved with the landing at Gallipoli. David was promoted to Sergeant on 5th May 1915. On 7th October 1915 he was promoted to Temporary Company Sergeant Major and then on 1st December was promoted to CSM at Lemnos.
David must have been working at Kalgoorlie at some stage, as a letter from Major R A Leane, dated 4th September 1915, acknowledged comforts from the Kalgoorlie Working Bee and mentioned David in a list of men who received the “parcels and were duly grateful for them” as Sergeant-Major D. Hardy. There were 27 names out of over 200 Goldfielders who had landed with the 11th Battalion at Gallipoli. He was promoted to Company Sergeant Major on 7th October 1915. It was confirmed on 1st December 1915. He disembarked from HMT Lake Michigan on 6th January 1916 at Alexandria.
He was awarded a Military Medal for the Gallipoli campaign “for consistent gallantry and devotion to duty. During the fighting in Gallipoli he worked a Trench mortar and later a 3.7 Howitzer with excellent results. Although constantly exposed to shellfire his Mortar always came into action with effect when and where required. His conduct was consistently gallant.” The entry was recorded in the London Gazette of 27th October 1916, page 10487, position 44. The recommendation had him listed as Sergeant, now Warrant Officer. Apparently, he served with distinction throughout the entire campaign, and the award was only one of five for the 11th Battalion. It was his artillery knowledge that helped, being able to work a trench mortar and howitzers gave him the recognition.
David was promoted to Regimental Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer 1st Class) on 15th March 1916 at Ismailia. He embarked for France at the end of March 1916, embarking on the 29th. He disembarked from HMAT Corsican at Marseilles on 5th April 1916. He was present in the operations at Fleurbaix and Pozieres.
On 30th July 1916 Warrant Officer and Regimental Sergeant Major David Hardy 441 and Sergeant Tom Lodge Hollings 915 were recommended for a Mention in Despatches (which was later changed to a Corps Complimentary) for “valuable service rendered under heavy artillery fire during the operations 22/25th July 1915 which culminated in the capture of POZIERES.” The Battalion suffered horribly at Pozieres, with the casualties of 19 officers and 511 other ranks. David was one of two officers in D Company to survive. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on 23rd August 1916.
With 5 others, David left for England on 26th October 1916 to report to the 3rd Infantry Training Battalion, to which he was seconded and posted to. He was awarded the Military Medal on 27th October 1916. He marched into the 3rd Training Battalion at Durrington on the 31st. Reinforcements were sent there to receive their final training before being sent to France.
On 25th November 1916, the Captain (Acting Brigade-Major) for the 3rd Australian Infantry Brigade wrote an order that included 441 Sergeant David Hardy stating that “Units will so arrange that all recipients are as close to the front as possible in order to avoid unnecessary delay after the Church Service. On conclusion of the Service recipients will fall out in front of the centre of their respective Units. Those to receive medals on the Right, those for Ribbons on the left.” On 25th December 1916, he was promoted to Lieutenant. Another entry has that on 1st January 1917 he was to be a Lieutenant and remain seconded with the 3rd Training Battalion.
Isabella signed for a Regular Army Form of Warrant for 2nd Lieutenant D Hardy of the 11th Battalion on 4th May 1917, giving her address as Hampton Rd, South Fremantle. Base Records had received it on 25th March 1917, and forwarded it on to her on 2nd April 1917, but sent it to 29 Court Street. On 25th April 1917, Isabella was sent a notification from Base Records “relating to the conspicuous services rendered by 2nd Lieutenant D. Hardy, 11th Battalion”. It read “HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously please to award the Military Medal for bravery in the Field to the undermentioned non-commissioned officer: – No. 441, Sergeant (now 2nd Lieutenant), DAVID HARDY.” Her address was noted as 29 Court Street Fremantle, which by now was old. Her address was changed in his service records at some stage to C/o Nurse Sheedy at Hampton Road Fremantle.
He attended several courses in England for one year. From 28th May to 1st June 1917, he attended and qualified 1st Class (suitable as Instructor) at the S. C. Revolver School at Wareham. After that, he was to remain seconded to the 3rd Training Brigade.
On 14th September 1917, David, who was a Lieutenant in the 11th Battalion AIF (according to the record), faced a court martial. The proceedings of the court martial for his trial were noted on that date and stated that he was sentenced to forfeit his seniority and was severely reprimanded.
He was promoted to Lieutenant on 5th October 1917 and re-joined the Battalion on the 11th, as part of A Company, proceeding from Southampton to France on the 9th. On 11th October, he ceased to be seconded with the 3rd Training Brigade.
On 19th October 1917, during a live bomb throwing practice, a grenade explode prematurely, injuring several men. David was seriously wounded in the chest and shoulders. 2nd Lieutenant Lionel Logan Summers MC was also injured and later died.
David passed away, dying of his wounds “accidently received” at the 2nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station in Belgium on 31st October 1917. The Commanding Officer of the 2nd Canadian CCS reported to the Officer of Records that he had died of wounds (accidently received) and that details of his burial place were “not yet to hand” and his will had not been received. It is recorded he died of accidental injuries in the index of the cemetery records. He is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery at Poperinge, West Flanders in Belgium in Plot XXI. AA. 19. His gravestone has this inscription – “In loving memory of my dear husband and father of Lucie Isobel”. The cemetery is 1¾ miles southwest of Poperinghe.
The author of the Battalion history “Legs-Eleven” wrote about the incident: – “On October 19, before the officers sat down to mess, Major Darnell, who was senior officer at the time, said he had a rather distressing announcement to make, and he then informed the assembled officers (all the mess orderlies and stewards having been sent out of the hut) that he had the promulgation of a court-martial to read. This order was to the effect that Lieut. Dave Hardy was to lose six months’ seniority on account of over-staying his leave when ordered to proceed from England to France. (The offence was purely technical and was only due to a mistake in the time of departure of a train, but the authorities chose to take a serious view of the matter, with the abovementioned result.) All the officers were full of sympathy for Hardy, who was a fine soldier. Hardy, however, was deeply chagrined, and took the matter very much to heart. Just after lunch German bombing ‘planes were heard overhead and “eggs” began to fall around. Most of the officers quickly evacuated the hut and old Con. O’Brien and the rest of the orderlies cleared out. Dave hardy still sat moodily in his chair, so the writer went up to him and said: “Come on, Dave, let’s clear out of this or Fritz will be dropping one of his “eggs” on top of us.” But hardy would not move. “I don’t give a damn,” he said, if the bastards drop one right on top of my head.” That afternoon there was a practice in live bomb throwing and Lieuts. Hardy and Summer were in charge of the party. During the practice there was the premature burst of a bomb and both Hardy and Summers were very seriously wounded and Sergeant Bill Back and Private R. F. Bell, of the bombing platoon, were also wounded. All were immediately rushed to hospital, but Hardy and Summers both died a day or two later.”
In late October 1917, report 5408 on accidental or self-inflicted injuries for Lieutenant David Hardy stated the injuries were bomb wounds to the head, shoulder, left arm, neck and chest and were severe. “Lt D Hardy was supervising live bombing practice when bomb burst immediately after leaving thrower hand wounding thrower No 5350 Pte Bell R F Lt D Hardy & L D Summers No 3717 Sgt W Beck”. The Commanding Officers opinion was that it happened in the performance of military duty and no one was to blame.it was a premature burst and accidental and David was accidently wounded. A notification of his death was sent to ANZAC Section 3rd Echelon GHQ on 25th November 1917, stating he was with A Company 11th Battalion and the details above. It also noted his will was not received.
Isabella was sent notification that he had died of wounds on 9th November 1917. Base Records, on 31st January 1918, acknowledged her letter of the 8th and enclosed, in triplicate, the report of the death of David as she requested. They sent it to her, C/o Nurse Sheedy of 130 Hampton Rd Fremantle.
His service record contains an entry on 16th November 1917 – “This officer is sentenced by G.C.M. to take rank and precedence in his Battalion & in the AIF as if his appointment as Lieutenant bore date the 14th Sept. 1917. (Authority: – “London Gazette Supplement” No 30375dated 10th Nov. 1917.) and, Reported Died of Wounds, is struck off strength.” He was originally promoted to be a Lieutenant on 1st January 1917. There are lots of entries in his service records that have been crossed out, because of this.
The West Australian newspaper of Friday 16th November 1917, under the Birth, Marriage and Deaths heading had in the Killed in Action list – HARDY. – On October 31, somewhere in France, died of wounds. Lieutenant David Hardy, beloved husband of Isobel and father of Lucy Hardy, late of the Australian Garrison Artillery. Deeply regretted. He has nobly fought a good fight. In the same newspaper, on Monday 3rd December 1917 had in the casualty list under died of wounds – Lieutenant Hardy, David (Fremantle). The Daily News in Perth also carried the same entry.
Isabella Fairburn and been born in Pentland Hills in Victoria in 1872. After David died, she was still in Fremantle in the 1916 and 1917 rolls, at 69 Adelaide Street and 12 Attfield Lane respectively. Then she had moved to Victoria and was living at 55 Wellington Street in Flemington. By 1921 she was living at 79 Edinburgh Street in Newmarket. That year she also married Alexander Edward Savage, who was a commercial traveller. Finding any more information on him is almost impossible. A birth or death date for him cannot be found. In the electoral rolls from 1925 to 1943, they were living at 38 Bryant Street in Newmarket, but afterwards it is not known what happened to him. Isabella passed away in 1948 in Flemington, Victoria.
On 30th March 1918 in Western Australia, a pension was granted for the widow of 441 Colour Sergeant David Hardy of the 11th Battalion. Isabella Hardy of Fremantle received a pension of 52 shillings and 3 pence a fortnight, granted from 12th January 1918. Lucy Hardy, his daughter, received a pension of 20 shillings a fortnight, from the same date also. On 3rd April 1918, the pension was increased to 70 shillings a fortnight, from 12th January and David was listed as former RSM (Lieutenant 11th Battalion).
The Officer in charge of records for the AIF in London forwarded a letter that was addressed to the executors of David on 18th April 1918, so that Base Records in Melbourne could forward that onto them. Another one had been previously sent on 12th February 1918, addressed to her Fremantle address. A letter was sent from AIF Headquarters in London on 25th March 1919 to Base Records in Melbourne, with a letter addressed to the Executors of his will, for them to send on. It was eventually sent to her on 31st May 1919, at her address in Newmarket.
Isabella signed for a Form of Warrant for the late Lieutenant D Hardy, 11th Battalion on 14th May 1918, giving her address as 98 Shields Street Newmarket in Melbourne. She also signed for his Military medal on the same date. On 21st August 1918, she signed for 1 package and for another on the 24th. Both were sent on the Gilgal to Base Records in Melbourne, and then forwarded securely to her. The sealed tin trunk was originally sent to her Western Australia address in late 1917. It contained a purse with 4 coins and a German Mark note, a wallet, letter, photos, books, handkerchief, collars, ties, 1 clothes brush, 1 boot brush, 1 housewife, 1 sword frog, 1 jack knife, 3 whistles, 2 stars, 1 cigarette case, 1 fountain pen, 2 rulers, 1 shirt, 1 flannel, 1 suit pyjamas, 2 walking sticks, 1 muffler, 1 S. D. tunic. Ex sack- 1 “Sam Browne” belt, 1 pair of brown boots. Ex valise- 1 razor, 1 razor strop, 1 book notes, 1 suit pyjamas, 1 towel, handkerchiefs, collars, 1 pair of socks, 1 mirror, 1 pair of woollen gloves, 1 flannel shirt, 1 cap, 1 shirt, 1 linen bag, 1 pair of trench boots, 1 pair of brushes in case, 1 pair of S. D. slacks, 1 S. D. tunic, valise. All must have been present in both deliveries, as she was asked to check seals and advise of any discrepancy by the forwarding letters. She also signed for something on 24th October 1919, but what it was is not listed on the card. It may have been his warrant issued by the British War office for his appointment and temporary 2nd Lieutenant in the regular forces of the British Army, which was sent on the 18th October to her address. It had been previously sent to her Fremantle address on 4th April 1918.
Three photographs of his grave were sent to Isabella from London on 21st February 1919 to her address at Fremantle (which was wrong) and eventually signed for on 3rd November 1920. On 18th December 1920, the booklet “Where the Australians Rest” was sent to Isabella. The memorial scroll and King’s message was sent to Isabella on 2nd July 1921 and signed for on the 18th. The memorial plaque was sent on 7th December 1922, but was returned. It was re-addressed and sent on 20th May 1923 and she signed for it on the 29th. Her new address was 55 Wellington Street Newmarket. His three campaign medals were also sent out and returned on the 10th March 1923. They were re-issued on 8th November 1923 and signed for on the 18th. Base Records wrote a note that Isabella had remarried in 1923 (incorrect) and her address at 1930 was Mrs Isabella Savage, 38 Bryant street Newmarket. A letter was sent to her at 55 Wellington Street on 28th September 1923, giving her information that “the site of his grave in the Lijessenthoek Military Cemetery is officially registered as: – Plot 21. Row AA. Grave 19. While the actual place of burial remains unchanged the previous registration allotted has been altered to conform with the uniform layout of this Cemetery.”
Isabella wrote out information that was to go to the Roll of Honour at the War Memorial. For the town that he was chiefly connected with, she wrote Melbourne. His calling was a soldier, aged 37, his school was St. Arnaud at “Aulbury” NSW and his other training was a soldier in the RAGA with the rank of Sergeant Major. For his previous military service he served in Melbourne, Sydney, Thursday Island and Fremantle. She gave her address as 55 Wellington Street in Flemington Victoria and for a reference to another person, she gave Lucy Crawford of 238 Drummond Street in Carlton Victoria.
His nickname was “Dave”.
His medals are Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
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Honor board at St. Arnaud.
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