After joining the 21st Australian Infantry Battalion in 1915, he fought at Gallipoli as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force and then on the Western Front.
Hardwick received the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry twice: first in 1916 when he rushed an enemy position in a mine crater and again on August 21, 1917 when, under heavy fire, he captured a machine gun and six prisoners at Hereleville, near Amiens.
He was killed in action in France on October 5, 1918, and buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery.
Hardwick’s medals plus associated literature, including two letters he sent home from the front, were offered for sale by Adam Partridge (20% buyer’s premium) on September 14 in Macclesfield.
This Australian Imperial Force Military Cross and bar group of four attracted plenty of interest at its estimate of £300-500 and sold at £5400.
