Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

No. 46 (Royal Marine) Commando, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

September 12th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Overlord

"On 11 June 1944, while serving under command of this brigade, Lt-col Hardy led his troops during the difficult and trying operation of clearing the woods of both banks of the river from BARBIERE to ROTS.

Lt-col Hardy displayed great coolness, good judgment and personal bravery in the capture of LE HAMEL and ROTS which were only cleared after the stiffest fighting in the hours of darkness after a long day's fighting. Although he would have been justified in recommending that the capture of ROTS should be left until the following morning after proper artillery preparation, this officer insisted on carrying out his task even though darkness was falling, adding to his difficulties. The operation was a complete success, and evidence of the fierceness of the fighting is that 122 German dead were buried on the following day. As a result of the action taken by Lt-col Hardy and his Commandos, this Brigade was able to occupy ROTS and the following day with only two casualties and thereby considerably improving the position.

In my opinion the success of the operation was to a great extent due to the leadership of the CO and I recommend he be awarded the DSO.

[signature]
K G Blackader Brig
Comd 8 Cdn Inf Bde

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

No. 46 (Royal Marine) Commando, 4th Special Service Brigade, I Corps, British Army

Awarded on:

April 3rd, 1945

"Lt Col HARDY has commanded his Commando with outstanding success from 6 June to 8 October 1944. During this period, the Commando has distinguished itself on many occasions. Lt Col HARDY has consistently shown a complete disregard for his own personal safety when under fire and has on all occasions set a magnificent personal example. Two occasions are cited, typical of several, when his personal courage and leadership have been the decisive factor in winning the battle.

On 20 August, at PUTOT EN AUGE, the Commando was ordered at very short notice to attack by night a strong enemy position in close country which had repulsed a battalion attack during the day.

Little daylight was left for reconnsaince. While the recconaissance parties were assembling, a mortar bomb wounded two troop leaders, the Adjudant, the Signal Officer and the FOC. Lt Col HARDY, in order to overcome the setback, personally placed every officer and NCO in his correct position on the start line.

Since it was too dark to point out objectives he led the assault himself from the centre of the leading wave and was the first man into the enemy position.

The complete success of this attack was due entirely to his courage, determination and leadership,

On 25 August at QUETTEVILLE, he again displayed the greatest resolution and devotion to duty when his Commando was held up by sustained opposition after suffering considerable casualties.

Although wounded at the beginning of the action, his determination to find away into the enemy position never faltered.

It was at his suggestion that the final and successful attack was made. It was entirely due to his inspiration and personal disregard of danger that the objective was finally won."

Second DSO awarded as bar on the ribbon of the first medal.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

3rd Commando Brigade, 25th Indian Infantry Division, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1945

"This Officer personally planned the assault phase of the two combined operations against [?]yeson and Kangaw during a period of a fortnight under conditions of great haste and difficulty. He led his Brigade in both assaults, and during the continued heavy fighting involved in the subsequent deep advance inland. Throughout the whole of the operations he was in control in the area where fighting was most stubborn, where his calm and cheerful bearing was an inspiration. His Brigade was the spear-head in both operations and their success was very largely due to Brigadier Hardy's able planning and confident leadership."

Third DSO awarded as bar on the ribbon of the first medal

Rank:

Acting Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

School of Combined Operations

Awarded on:

June 10th, 1948

Rank:

Acting Brigadier

Unit:

3 Commando Brigade

Awarded on:

October 19th, 1951

"Brigadier Hardy was Commander 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and brought this Brigade from Hong Kong to Malaya in May 1950. He relinquished Command of the Brigade in February 1951. On arrival in Malaya he and the Brigade were faced with problems of operating which were entirely new to them and very far removed from conditions of which they had previously had experience. Under his leadership the Brigade rapidly adjusted itself and , as a result of the great enthusiasm and drive which he engendered, the Brigade within very short period established itself in Perak and made its presence felt to a very marked degree. It very soon opened its score of bandits killed and since them has gone from strenght to strenght.

Brigadier Hardy was particularly successful in his relationship with the Police and the Civil authorities and by his personality assisted in the creation of a very good atmosphere in which the planning of operations against the bandits were carried out.

There is no doubt that the success of 3 Commando Brigade in Malaya is very largely due to the excellent foundations laid down by Brigadier Hardy and the leadership which he gave the Brigade during the period of his Command in Malaya."

Rank:

Lieutenant-general

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1957