4:30pm Friday 19th March 2010
By Allan Tunningley
THE story of the Rev Theodore Bayley Hardy is one of the most remarkable of the First World War.
Not only was he one of the oldest men to serve on the frontline, he was one of the bravest, choosing as an army chaplain to accompany his men into the thickest of the fighting – without ever carrying a gun.
Now his cool courage, which earned him the Distinguished Service Order, the Military Cross and, finally, the Victoria Cross, has inspired a new DVD by the independent film producer Charlie Shea-Simonds.
Mr Shea-Simonds, who served as an officer in the Parachute Regiment, said: “Hardy is a fascinating subject for a documentary.
“He was quite an extraordinary man and a truly inspirational figure to me as a former soldier.”
Hardy was born in Exeter in 1863. After being educated at London University he became a teacher in Nottingham before being appointed head of Bentham Grammar School in 1907.
In 1913, he moved to Hutton Roof where he served as vicar until war broke out.
Although in his fifties and not in the best of health, Hardy volunteered to serve on the front line. He took a first aid course so he could serve on the front line as a stretcher-bearer but instead was posted to serve as chaplain to the 8th Battalion, the Lincolnshire Regiment.
He served with the 8th Lincolns at the battle of Passchendaele and in September 17 was awarded the DSO for helping to rescue and administer first aid to stricken soldiers.
Within a few weeks he was decorated with the MC for comforting wounded and dying soldiers while unarmed and under fire.
Six months later, Hardy was awarded the VC for what were described as three further selfless actions of bravery, one of which involved assisting and comforting a ‘dangerously wounded’ officer just 10 yards from an enemy gun position until help came.
Amazingly, Hardy was 54 – more than twice as old as many of the soldiers he helped to save.
The medal was personally presented by King George V while the monarch was visiting France.
The king was so impressed with Hardy, he appointed him his personal chaplain.
On October 10, 1918, the Lincolns came under German machine-gun fire and Hardy was among the wounded.
He died on October 18, aged 55.
Hutton Roof postmistress Anne Huntington described the DVD as a tribute to a ‘great man’.
She said: “People in the area know about him because he was the local vicar and such a wonderful and brave character.
“I’m very proud that he had this connection with the village.”
Copies of the DVD – Hardy VC – are available from Hutton Roof Post Office at £14 (plus £1 p&p). Telephone 01524 271213.
Profits from sales will be split between the Museum of Army Chaplaincy in Andover, Hampshire, and St John’s Church, Hutton Roof.
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