Lives of the First World War

known June 1917

from Kentish Express, 2/6/1917, “Oswald William Hardwick, youngest son of Dr and Mrs Hardwick of Charing has been killed. Educated St Lawrence College, Ramsgate. Articled to a surveyor and holding Govt appointment in Truro. Joined University and Public Schools Corps in Sept 1914. Active service Nov. 1915. 6 months later returned to train in OTC Cambridge. Sept 1916 gazetted Lieutenant in Devonshire Reg. and went to front. Letter received by Dr Hardwick: ‘I am afraid I can give you very few details as to the death of your son on 9 May. On the morning of that day the battalion attacked a German trench; from what I can gather your son was hit by a bullet through the heart and died instantaneously, during the advance towards the position. I regret that his body was not recovered as the troops were withdrawn after dark, after fighting most gallantly all day. May I add a very sincere expression of my deepest sympathy with you in your great loss, which we also share, as your son was always cheerful and was looked upon as a promising officer.’ Memorial service in Charing church.”

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