Britain's Most Decorated Army Chaplain - Theodore Hardy

[@rodeastell3615]

When you said he was mortally wounded ... I just groaned and said 'Oh, no!'. What a man, a true hero.

[@Beerpopnana]

Same here!

[@clark_ok]

I'm not religious but my goodness. Real Christian kindness.... Made me so proud of traditional men.

[@brucevaughn2886]

In every since of the word, a man sent from God.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and for also taking your time to comment

[@peterrogers9257]

I said the same thing. How sad

[@pourlemerite]

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]

Very well said!

[@angloaust1575]

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]

Thank you for taking the time to post a very thoughtful and obviously very popular comment. Much appreciated.

[@peterforrest6682]

My respect and gratitude...to Theodore Hardy...and the others...who showed such bravery. Thank you..

[@Beerpopnana]

Absolutely Peter!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to both watch my video and then also to comment

[@kuchcyk]

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]

Thanks for watching, and I think you’ve detected style of my stories!

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

What a great tribute to a selfless hero. He gave his life for his comrades. Greater love hath no Man. 🇬🇧🫡

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to post that lovely comment

[@theblackbear211]

Today, I shed some tears for Theodore Hardy, truly a fine man.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@mpersad]

What an extraordinarily brave man, and what a comrade to his comrades. A very moving story. Thank you for another terrific video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very welcome, thanks for watching watching

[@philipcubitt]

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]

Thanks for watching my video and for sharing your personal connection to it and to Theodore, Hardy,

[@Hartley_Hare]

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]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to post your very thoughtful comment

[@ladymeghenderson9337]

An amazing man, finally promoted to Glory rest in peace reverand Hardy

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nice words. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to post another comment. Much appreciated.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

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]

Nice comment, thanks for posting

[@garybrockwell2031]

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]

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.

[@davidnewzealand6807]

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]

Thank you for watching my video and for taking the time to post your comment

[@kevinmiller7792]

An excellent story about an incredible man. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidberlanny3308]

What a story, very sad that he was taken only days from the end of the war. Very well narrated as always. Thankyou.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.

[@kenattwood8060]

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]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to write your thoughtful comment

[@harryshriver6223]

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]

Harry, thank you for your very kind comment

[@janiceduke1205]

'Well done, good and faithful servant." HERO 💯✨‼🫡 Thank you for your service!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very welcome, thanks for watching

[@andrewwmoore1]

Thanks for honouring this wonderful man. Your video left me in tears

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much for watching my video. I’m glad that you enjoyed it.

[@andrewsteele7663]

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]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment

[@jamesabernethy7896]

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]

Thank you for your kind comment. If you haven’t already, please make sure you subscribe to my channel.

[@stewartsrcpo]

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]

Thank you for sharing that story.

[@dokkenratt]

A fantastic story of a brave, brave man. Thank you for bringing it to us!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Please subscribe to my channel if you haven’t already.

[@dokkenratt]

@TheHistoryChap I'm already subscribed my friend. I eagerly await your uploads. Entertaining and enjoyable watching.

[@jeningle8288]

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]

Jen, it was all thanks to your message.

[@donpark759]

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]

Indeed. I hope you've taken the time to watch my video about Noel Chavasse.

[@colrhodes377]

What an incredible man. I remember my Padre at HMS Mercury with great respect.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I think it takes a special sort of person to be a military chaplain. Thanks for watching my video.

[@johnhudghton3535]

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]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and to comment. I also salute your service as an RAF Padre

[@johnhudghton3535]

@@TheHistoryChap Thank you.

[@MorrisonLee-wt2jp]

Wonderful story of a magnificent man... and beautifully narrated with sympathy and respect. Thank you so much. Australia

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your very kind comment. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel for future videos.

[@kiwifruit27]

A fantastic video about an extraordinary man. Thanks for keeping his story alive

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure, thanks for watching

[@Lassisvulgaris]

Love these stories about VC recipients....

[@TheHistoryChap]

Each one eye uncover is a gem about the human spirit

[@simonnoble7589]

WOW whot a great man he was ... thank you for your work Chris , another great production ... cheers SI

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel, so you don’t miss future stories

[@simonnoble7589]

@@TheHistoryChap have a great day 😃

[@michaelmalone9062]

Wow, what an outstanding chaplain. Thanks for honoring him through your video. Chaplain Mike (AUS, RET)

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure thanks for watching. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.

[@michaelmalone9062]

I'm a subscriber! Thanks. @@TheHistoryChap

[@Westmoreland348]

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]

Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

[@chancebuckman]

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]

Very very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

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]

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.

[@earlmcpherson6913]

God bless you pastor 😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nice words

[@janlindtner305]

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]

Thank you very much for those kind words

[@pedenharley6266]

Many thanks for telling this story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for listening

[@billevans7936]

What an awesome story of valor...thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching my video

[@peterbarker3433]

Another wonderful account of a great and valorous man; thanks yet again, Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure, thanks for watching

[@fredazcarate4818]

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 KZbin, 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]

What a lovely comment. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video.

[@fredazcarate4818]

@@TheHistoryChap tis I that should thank you!

[@wingcommanderdaltonwalton67]

Wow,another amazing story for a truly amazing man,he probably deserves a bar on that VC!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching

[@stampy2011]

Thank you, a fantastic story of a humble and gentle man. Always learning.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel.

[@ranjandasgupta2995]

Very inspiring. Though wonder in modern day wars Chaplains will still be need of time, as in previous battles.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Interesting point but as someone who served in the RN said to me: "When the ship is sinking everyone believes in God."

[@davidwoods7720]

Thank you so very much Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.

[@mikenorton3294]

Great and very brave man with huge faith. Salute

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching

[@BootsontheTable]

Another extraordinary story. Thanks for shedding light on these amazing people

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for your support.

[@martinhogg5337]

Great story of a very brave man!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@derekp2674]

Thanks Chris, that is an amazing story and still relevant for all today's war zones.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much for watching my video and for taking the time to comment. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@jonathanellwood]

What an example to us all. Thankyou for sharing this story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel here on KZbin.

[@oc2phish07]

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]

Can you imagine being stuck in a lift with me?!🤣

[@MC14may]

A nice story about a man I never heard of until now...thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for listening

[@kenroberts6906]

A wonderful story told so very very well. Thank you sir

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.

[@pauloneil8531]

Excellent narration. True valor for the soldiers under his care.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much for watching

[@foxcell]

a man of faith who went above and beyond his calling with a. Great deal of love ❤ another good video

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching

[@daltonweeks6736]

Unique and wonderful story, thanks for telling it Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. I'm glad that you enjoyed it.

[@marin313]

Thank you for this and your many other videos. You are keeping history alive that should not be forgotten.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much for your support. If you happen already, please do subscribe to my channel.

[@christopherhahn6728]

Love this one, History Chap.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching. Next stop is the battle of Waterloo.

[@allanburt5250]

What a story brilliant. Thanks for bringing this gentleman into the light

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@lancemumford3106]

I enjoy your videos, I learn something new each time. Thank you for putting the time, effort, and knowledge in to every video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m glad you enjoy them. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.

[@bexxy629]

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]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@kiwigaming1605]

Brilliant documentary as always! I'm excited to learn about the Napoleonic Wars in your next upcoming videos!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Battle of Waterloo coming this week. Look out for it or make sure you subscribe to my KZbin channel so you don’t miss

[@RailfanDownunder]

Lest We Forget ..... Superb work yet again Sir

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure thanks for watching

[@MotDoiAnLac258]

Great video!! Extremely informative and interesting

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it! If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel

[@sameyers2670]

Thank you Chris this was fascinating. Such a shame this brave man was taken so close to the end of the war

[@TheHistoryChap]

A crying shame, but then so many were

[@stevepecket2535]

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]

I’ve been invited to a few up in Cheshire next year, that’s nothing in Manchester at the moment

[@historybuff1673]

Thanks again for such a great video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure, I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Many thanks for your support.

[@s.p.ltd.3886]

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.

[@timrousell3404]

A wonderful person ive never heard of a true man of god amen

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@philipinchina]

What a wonderful story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching it

[@commonsense2497]

Great story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@H4CK61]

What a man.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@trajan098117]

Great video, thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You are welcome!

[@joeritchie4554]

What a brave and caring man

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@danieljustin1230]

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]

I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. I’m sure your congregation would love to hear the story at some stage.

[@andyblyth923]

Another great story,well done

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@BMW7series251]

Wow, what a man.

[@TheHistoryChap]

He was indeed. Thanks for watching my video.

[@douglaslangella7782]

Thanks for another great video. I miss the jaunty music you used to play at the end though.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Maybe I should bring it back

[@iands10_destroyer54]

Nice to see you reference woodbine Willy especially as you are in Worcester :)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Saw the window dedicated to him in the cathedral on Saturday.

[@idlewild1964]

Chris I really enjoy your work!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you and also thanks for joining my private members channel.

[@tombrydson781]

A true hero in every sense

[@TheHistoryChap]

I think he was too

[@jonmeek3879]

Inspired!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much for watching my video and for taking the time to comment

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

What a great story about it Amazing man. 😁

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much

[@Charlie5478]

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]

Thank you for sharing that story. They were an incredible bunch of men.

[@allandavis8201]

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]

Thank you for taking the time to both watch my video and to write your thoughtful comment

[@philipnorris6542]

At the going down of the Sun and in the morning we will remember them.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to post your comment

[@TheUnknownCountry]

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]

Fascinating story thank you so much for taking the time to share it with all of us

[@TheUnknownCountry]

⁠@@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.

[@beckster181]

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]

Thank you for the taking the time to post, such a thoughtful comment

[@andrewegan7011]

Ashiver ran up my spine hearing this. Brave man

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@resnonverba137]

Very good, many thanks for upload. Those who throw around terms such as 'hero' should watch this and stop diluting the word.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel

[@Dav1Gv]

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]

They were pretty special men

[@formwiz7096]

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]

There are

[@formwiz7096]

Not questioning your veracity, but specify? I thought of the Four Chaplains, but that was about it.@@gswombat

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@michaelwhite8031]

What a man !

[@TheHistoryChap]

Indeed he was.

[@donsmith2833]

A Canadian Chaplan, John Foote, was awarded the VC for his actions during the Dieppe Raid in WWII.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Indeed he was. I will be covering Dieppe in the new year so please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss it.

[@allenjenkins7947]

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]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment

[@TheBrandon40500]

What a great story, thank you for sharing. I'm gonna have a cigarette now :)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Have fun!

[@1076bless]

Amazing I remember my army vicar I used to bring us cake

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nice little story. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulbradford8240]

Wonderful men. Where are his medals now?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Army Chaplaincy museum.

[@jeffsmith2022]

God Bless...

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@Tommo4966]

Can we see more about woodbine willie please?

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m guessing a lot of requests for Woodbine Willie so I will add him to my production list