Britain's Most Decorated Army Chaplain - Theodore Hardy
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Theodore Hardy VC, DSO, MC was a British Army chaplain during World War 1.
despite never carrying a rifle he was awarded three of Britain's highest medals for bravery and stands as the most decorated British non-combatant (and Army Chaplain) in the First World War.
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www.thehistorychap.com
Other vides you might enjoy:
Noel Chavasse VC
Arthur Martin-Leake VC
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:48 Early Life
2:09 Army Chaplain
4:12 Western Front
4:50 Medals For Bravery
6:13 Victoria Cross
8:13 Death
9:02 Army Chaplains WW1
10:17 The History Chap
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/ thehistorychap
My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or KZread animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Пікірлер: 273
When you said he was mortally wounded ... I just groaned and said 'Oh, no!'. What a man, a true hero.
@Beerpopnana
6 ай бұрын
Same here!
@clark_ok
6 ай бұрын
I'm not religious but my goodness. Real Christian kindness.... Made me so proud of traditional men.
@brucevaughn2886
6 ай бұрын
In every since of the word, a man sent from God.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and for also taking your time to comment
@peterrogers9257
5 ай бұрын
I said the same thing. How sad
This man and all those who provided support, compassion and love to those in abject distress is beyond praise for their service to God and Country. Truly humbled by their sacrifice.
@Beerpopnana
6 ай бұрын
Very well said!
@angloaust1575
6 ай бұрын
Maybe another desmond doss Obviously thou shalt not kill Doesn't refer to warfare Only murder altho both Take lives Roll on when warfare shall cease and all weapons turned Into plowshares!
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to post a very thoughtful and obviously very popular comment. Much appreciated.
This story is unknown to the vast majority of people. By creating these videos, Chris gives due honour to this man and many others so that their valour and humanity can be long remembered with gratitude for generations to come. I was dreading but expecting the tragic ending. So poignant and inspiring.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching, and I think you’ve detected style of my stories!
I attended Bentham Grammar from 1965 to 1971 (where Hardy was a Headmaster) and was in Hardy House. We were all proud of his achievements and daily passed a large photograph by the front door of him receiving his George Cross from King George himself. To this day I often think of him and how his bravery inspired me to be a better person
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching my video and for sharing your personal connection to it and to Theodore, Hardy,
I'm a very rubbish Christian, but the 'pray for them always' line really speaks to me. There's a terrible, grinding pomposity to telling people that you're going to pray for them and if you believe prayers are heard (I obviously do) there's nothing to stop you from offering up a silent prayer for people you come across. Reverend Hardy must have prayed for them too, but he was also there for them, too, during the worst days of their lives. What an amazing man.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to post your very thoughtful comment
What a great tribute to a selfless hero. He gave his life for his comrades. Greater love hath no Man. 🇬🇧🫡
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to post that lovely comment
My respect and gratitude...to Theodore Hardy...and the others...who showed such bravery. Thank you..
@Beerpopnana
6 ай бұрын
Absolutely Peter!
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to both watch my video and then also to comment
Today, I shed some tears for Theodore Hardy, truly a fine man.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to comment
What an extraordinarily brave man, and what a comrade to his comrades. A very moving story. Thank you for another terrific video.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Very welcome, thanks for watching watching
What a great name this man had,... To run around no man's land without a gun saving his flock.. thanks Chris. Another story that leaves a tear in my eye.. You do them all honour.. your a TOP CHAP💯🙏🇬🇧⚖️💪😥
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to post your very kind comment. I’m sure you have already, but please make sure you subscribe to my channel.
Thank you for this enlightening video, Sir, as a British Army veteran myself I appreciate the good work done by Chaplains and other non-combatants. It takes a special kind of bravery to go into a combat area unarmed - I'm not sure that I could have done that!
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to write your thoughtful comment
Wow Chris, another great character you have brought up to the forefront with a great story. The adage, a peaceful man stands tall, must have been written for him.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Nice comment, thanks for posting
Blatant disregard for his own safety, and wholly concentrated on the physical and spiritual well being of his men. What a wonderful human being. So sad, I am just reminded of such great loss during the devastation of war.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching my video and for taking the time to post your comment
An amazing man, finally promoted to Glory rest in peace reverand Hardy
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Nice words. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to post another comment. Much appreciated.
Chris, this i s an amazing story of bravery, fidelity and courage. Vicar Hardy certainly deserved every accolade which was given upon him. His memory deserves to be cherished and revered by all who served with and followed him. They certainly earned the title Royal in their designation, very well done amigo. I always enjoy your contributions to history, Chris. Nos vemos pronto. 😊
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Harry, thank you for your very kind comment
What a story, very sad that he was taken only days from the end of the war. Very well narrated as always. Thankyou.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.
An excellent story about an incredible man. Thank you.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
I found your channel when you did the Dad's Army, they were fun and interesting. Although I do follow a few history and military channels yours feels very unique. It's amazing to hear these stories, especially when they are told so warmly. Some deal with some very intense situations but you always keep them respectful and upbeat, not an easy balance to strike with the subject matter. A change of timeframe will be interesting, I somehow feel those men of the 1800's and 1900's would have far more common ground with each other than with people now. Great channel that does these men justice.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind comment. If you haven’t already, please make sure you subscribe to my channel.
Good morning Chris, what an amazing man, I bet his lads were devastated when he was killed. Thanks again for another brilliant telling. Cheers
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment
Excellent narrative. Thank you for sharing. I recall another chaplain, in Her Majesty's service. Oswald Chambers was given a full military honor funeral because of his impact on the morale of the troops.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing that story.
Thanks for honouring this wonderful man. Your video left me in tears
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for watching my video. I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
A fantastic story of a brave, brave man. Thank you for bringing it to us!!
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure. Please subscribe to my channel if you haven’t already.
@dokkenratt
6 ай бұрын
@TheHistoryChap I'm already subscribed my friend. I eagerly await your uploads. Entertaining and enjoyable watching.
Chris, thankyou so much for this tribute to an amazing and very special man. You have ensured that he becomes very much better known, as I feel he deserves.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Jen, it was all thanks to your message.
Let's not forget also Capt Dr Noel Chevasse, Royal Army Medical Corps, another non-combattent, who was awarded the Military Cross, and the Victoria Cross TWICE! True heroes, all.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Indeed. I hope you've taken the time to watch my video about Noel Chavasse.
'Well done, good and faithful servant." HERO 💯✨‼🫡 Thank you for your service!
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Very welcome, thanks for watching
What an incredible man. I remember my Padre at HMS Mercury with great respect.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
I think it takes a special sort of person to be a military chaplain. Thanks for watching my video.
A fantastic video about an extraordinary man. Thanks for keeping his story alive
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure, thanks for watching
Former RAF Padre and retired vicar salutes this outstanding man of faith and courage. What an absolute inspiration. Thank you for telling his story. Another story that would make a great film. Should be material for children in schools. Will you perhaps be able to tell the stories of the other clerical holders og The VC ? I suspect he may have been inspired not just by Woodbine Willy but moreover his Lord and Saviour who said "Greater love hath no man than this: that he lay down his life for his friends". Thank you again.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to watch and to comment. I also salute your service as an RAF Padre
@johnhudghton3535
6 ай бұрын
@@TheHistoryChap Thank you.
Wonderful story of a magnificent man... and beautifully narrated with sympathy and respect. Thank you so much. Australia
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for your very kind comment. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel for future videos.
There is an excellent short biography of Hardy called "Its only me". One of the most touching aspects of his personality was his extreme humility, he would stand with his hand covering his medals when talking with the man to hide the decorations on his chest.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, what an outstanding chaplain. Thanks for honoring him through your video. Chaplain Mike (AUS, RET)
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure thanks for watching. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.
@michaelmalone9062
6 ай бұрын
I'm a subscriber! Thanks. @@TheHistoryChap
Wonderful lecture, one that will do you credit and hopefully more of the same kind will follow. You can safely say that Theodore chose the Hard'y way. I love your lessons Chris❤👍🤟
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for those kind words
Another wonderful account of a great and valorous man; thanks yet again, Chris.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure, thanks for watching
WOW whot a great man he was ... thank you for your work Chris , another great production ... cheers SI
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Many thanks. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel, so you don’t miss future stories
@simonnoble7589
6 ай бұрын
@@TheHistoryChap have a great day 😃
Love these stories about VC recipients....
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Each one eye uncover is a gem about the human spirit
Thank you, a fantastic story of a humble and gentle man. Always learning.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel.
John Weir Foote, VC, Presbyterian minister. Was a Chaplain with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. Won the VC for his actions on the Dieppe raid.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Very very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
a man of faith who went above and beyond his calling with a. Great deal of love ❤ another good video
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching
Another extraordinary story. Thanks for shedding light on these amazing people
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure. Thanks for your support.
Unique and wonderful story, thanks for telling it Chris
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure. I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
A wonderful story told so very very well. Thank you sir
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.
Great story of a very brave man!
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hello Chris: What a moving story! I had to say I felt terribly sad by the tragic ending, somehow I convinced myself that Hardy survived the war. What a wonderful man. Greetings from Buenos Aires.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching Adam. I’m glad you enjoyed it. If you haven’t already, please make sure you subscribe to my channel or even pop over to my website to join my weekly newsletter.
Wow,another amazing story for a truly amazing man,he probably deserves a bar on that VC!
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching
Very inspiring. Though wonder in modern day wars Chaplains will still be need of time, as in previous battles.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Interesting point but as someone who served in the RN said to me: "When the ship is sinking everyone believes in God."
What an awesome story of valor...thank you
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching my video
Many thanks for telling this story.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for listening
What a man.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching my video
Thank you so very much Chris
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.
I enjoy your videos, I learn something new each time. Thank you for putting the time, effort, and knowledge in to every video.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
I’m glad you enjoy them. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.
Thanks again for such a great video.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure, I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Many thanks for your support.
Chris I really enjoy your work!
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you and also thanks for joining my private members channel.
Great video, thanks.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
You are welcome!
Brilliant documentary as always! I'm excited to learn about the Napoleonic Wars in your next upcoming videos!
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Battle of Waterloo coming this week. Look out for it or make sure you subscribe to my KZread channel so you don’t miss
What an example to us all. Thankyou for sharing this story.
@TheHistoryChap
5 ай бұрын
My pleasure. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel here on KZread.
Lest We Forget ..... Superb work yet again Sir
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure thanks for watching
It's incredible how you keep finding these stories and how interesting you make the content. Great stuff Chris. Keep up this brilliant work.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Can you imagine being stuck in a lift with me?!🤣
Love this one, History Chap.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching. Next stop is the battle of Waterloo.
Thank you for this and your many other videos. You are keeping history alive that should not be forgotten.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your support. If you happen already, please do subscribe to my channel.
Great video!! Extremely informative and interesting
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel
Another great story,well done
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
What a story brilliant. Thanks for bringing this gentleman into the light
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Chris, that is an amazing story and still relevant for all today's war zones.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for watching my video and for taking the time to comment. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent narration. True valor for the soldiers under his care.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for watching
I was touch Sir bye your lecture on this extremely brave but loving individual. You have given this elderly gentleman joy; I have problem with the heart . So today I am completely exhausted but wishing not just lay in bed. I perused through KZread, and I found a gem. Indeed your video lecture on this extraordinary gentlemen has brought broad smile upon my person. Thank you, and God's blessings to you and family.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
What a lovely comment. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video.
@fredazcarate4818
6 ай бұрын
@@TheHistoryChap tis I that should thank you!
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. As a devout Christian priests like this inspire me to no end, to truly live the Gospel daily, carrying out such a dangerous misson day after day, unarmed, risking their lives out of love for their flock and chaĺenge the reat of us Christians to have even a ounce 9f their vigour, zeal and courage in our lives.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to comment
God bless you pastor 😊
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Nice words
Thanks for another great video. I miss the jaunty music you used to play at the end though.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Maybe I should bring it back
A nice story about a man I never heard of until now...thanks
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for listening
Excellent as always. Would you consider doing a video on the The Wipers Times and Captain Roberts as well as the others who published the Trench magazine during WWI. Don't know if this exactly your thing but I find it and the movie interesting and would like to hear your take on the it and the men behind it.
Nice to see you reference woodbine Willy especially as you are in Worcester :)
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Saw the window dedicated to him in the cathedral on Saturday.
Thank you Chris this was fascinating. Such a shame this brave man was taken so close to the end of the war
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
A crying shame, but then so many were
You greatest piece.
@TheHistoryChap
3 ай бұрын
Pleased you enjoyed it,
@TheHistoryChap
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching my video and the interesting comment.
Thanks for this wonderful video. As the rector of my own parish, perhaps I will find a way to share Rev. Hardy's story in a sermon at some point in the future.
@TheHistoryChap
5 ай бұрын
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. I’m sure your congregation would love to hear the story at some stage.
Great and very brave man with huge faith. Salute
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching
Thanks Chris. what an amazing story! would love MSM to actually do research and tell these stories but don't think it's PC these days. if you're doing any talks up around Manchester please let us know.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
I’ve been invited to a few up in Cheshire next year, that’s nothing in Manchester at the moment
Inspired!
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for watching my video and for taking the time to comment
A wonderful person ive never heard of a true man of god amen
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching my video
Wow, what a man.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
He was indeed. Thanks for watching my video.
What a wonderful story.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching it
Great story.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching
What a brave and caring man
@TheHistoryChap
Ай бұрын
Thanks for watching my video.
What a great story about it Amazing man. 😁
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you very much
I know Canada’s heroic Chaplain was Frederick G. Scott. Always cheerfull and helpful and determined to do all he could on the from lines. All the soldiers loved him. In 1916 his son was killed on the Somme and it was a while before they could get his body back. Scott accompanied by two other men went out into No Man’s land to find his son’s body. One of the men wrote “The old chaplain stood beside the body and removed his trench helmet, baring his gray locks to the drizzle of rain that was falling. Then while we stood with bowed heads, his voice rose amid the noise of bursting shells, repeating the burial service of the Church of England. I have never been so impressed by anything in my life as by that scene.” Scott was wounded in the last days of WWI but he survived the war. I think he was awarded some medal as well. There is a picture if him by his son’s grave. Very sad but heroic.
@TheHistoryChap
5 ай бұрын
Fascinating story thank you so much for taking the time to share it with all of us
@KyleEricksonPoetry1617
5 ай бұрын
@@TheHistoryChapyou are welcome. I thought that was a very touching story. He used to be very well known in Canada but he seems to be more and more forgotten. I found him through some of his poems.
The chaplains of World War 1 have a very special place in my heart. Another who deserves a special mention would be Father Willie Doyle MC, who was as much loved by protestant Irish soldiers as he was by the catholic Irish soldiers. He was killed while administering the Last Sacraments near Langemarck, Ypres. His body was never found and he is commemorated on The Tyne Cot Memorial to The Missing.
@TheHistoryChap
5 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing that story. They were an incredible bunch of men.
Don't know of any American chaplains with the Medal of Honor, so this story is doubly impressive. He was one in a million.
@gswombat
6 ай бұрын
There are
@formwiz7096
6 ай бұрын
Not questioning your veracity, but specify? I thought of the Four Chaplains, but that was about it.@@gswombat
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching my video. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
These sort of stories show how in every generation there are those special people that care so much about their fedllow humans they will do anything and risk everything to help them in some of the worst and most dangerous places. While it is sad he died just 3 weeks before the end of the war maybe since the King had been unable to get him to take a rest and slow down risking himself so much that maybe the one he would truly answer to decided he had done his bit and it was time for his rest.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for the taking the time to post, such a thoughtful comment
A true hero in every sense
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
I think he was too
Up there with Noel Chavasse - what a brave brave man. As a matter of interest another job for Padres in WW1 was to be with men who had been condemned to death on the night before they were to be executed. One chaplain I read about had to do this twice - I don't know how he managed it.
@TheHistoryChap
5 ай бұрын
They were pretty special men
Ashiver ran up my spine hearing this. Brave man
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching.
Very good, many thanks for upload. Those who throw around terms such as 'hero' should watch this and stop diluting the word.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel
At the going down of the Sun and in the morning we will remember them.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to post your comment
I think most people would answer, if asked, what they consider valour to be would say things like knocking out multiple gun positions alone or staying at their position whilst under intense fire and holding of the enemy, but not many would answer that it is purely an act of selfless sacrifice knowing that they would be more than likely to die whilst carrying out their duty, over and above normal, or at least that’s my interpretation of valour and bravery, and this chaplain and all the others certainly did go above and beyond their duties. RIP, Lest We Forget. Per Ardua Ad Astra. Thank you for sharing this story with us all, very interesting and informative. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to both watch my video and to write your thoughtful comment
What a man !
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Indeed he was.
These are the true heroes. Along with the stretcher bearers, medics, ambulance attendants, nurses and medical officers who performed their non-combatant duties under enemy fire. Both world wars and all combatants.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment
What a great story, thank you for sharing. I'm gonna have a cigarette now :)
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Have fun!
A Canadian Chaplan, John Foote, was awarded the VC for his actions during the Dieppe Raid in WWII.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Indeed he was. I will be covering Dieppe in the new year so please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss it.
God Bless...
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to comment
Can we see more about woodbine willie please?
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
I’m guessing a lot of requests for Woodbine Willie so I will add him to my production list
Can't remember if you have already done William Coltman = British Desmond Doss,if not could you please do him.
@TheHistoryChap
6 ай бұрын
No I haven't but he is on the cards. Please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss it.