*British, WW1, Trio Medal Group to 3515 Acting Bombardier & Corporal Leonard A. Hardy, Royal Field Artillery, 12th Divisional Ammunition Column*
A fine, fully attributed First World War medal trio awarded to 3515 Acting Bombardier and later Corporal Leonard A. Hardy of the Royal Field Artillery, who served in France from June 1915 with the 12th Divisional Ammunition Column.
Comprising:
1914-15 Star, impressed: "3515 A. BMBR: L. A. HARDY. R.F.A."
British War Medal 1914–20, impressed: "3515 CPL. L. A. HARDY. R.A."
Victory Medal, impressed: "3515 CPL. L. A. HARDY. R.A."
Service details:
Leonard A. Hardy served with the Royal Field Artillery, one of the most heavily engaged artillery branches of the British Army. His Medal Index Card confirms entry into the French theatre on 1st June 1915, qualifying him for the 1914-15 Star. His service number (3515) and early qualifying date indicate he was an early war volunteer, prior to conscription being introduced in 1916. Initially recorded as Acting Bombardier, he was later promoted to Corporal. He served with the 12th Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery — a vital unit responsible for supplying ammunition to the front-line batteries, often under hazardous conditions.
According to medical records (Archive Ref MH106/1541), Hardy was admitted on 29 May 1917 suffering from inflammation of the connective tissue of the foot (likely trench-related). At the time, he was listed as a Gunner with 2 years 8 months of service and 2 years 1 month with the field force. He was discharged back to duty on 18 July 1917, later noted as transferred to furlough, showing resilience and continued active service despite illness.
National Archives Medal Index Card (Ref WO 372/9/16011) confirms his medal entitlement and theatre of war. He was of the Church of England faith and 23 years old in 1917, which indicates a birth year circa 1894.
Historical note:
Hardy’s early entry date of June 1915 suggests he may have taken part in the build-up to the Battle of Loos (September 1915) and later actions on the Somme in 1916, where artillery support was vital. As a member of the 12th Divisional Ammunition Column, he would have worked under constant threat, supplying front-line batteries during major offensives. Artillery personnel faced heavy counter-battery fire, aerial attacks, and gas shelling, playing an indispensable role in every major engagement on the Western Front.
*Condition*
All medals in good condition with original impressed naming. Light toning and surface marks consistent with age and service history. Some green verdigris evident on the 1914-15 Star. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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