Private 3656623 John Hardman

Family details:
Son of John and Mary Ann Hardman

Census details:
John (Jackie) Hardman, Born 13th December 1917 in 40 Back Blackbrook Road. Father, John Hardman Born 10/07/1878, 3 Waine Street Parr, Died 22/12/1964. Buried STHELCEM / 49 / 742 - Ref 107802. Mother Mary Ann Brady Born 1876, Parr, Died 1946, Resided 2 O'keefe Road. (Married Holy Cross 1904) Sister, Mary, Born, 28/12/1905, Died 01/02/1972. Brother Thomas, Born, 14/11/07, Died 05/04/87, Carrmill. Brother James, Born, 20/01/1910, Died 25/01/1985. Sister, Catherine, Born, 15/11/1913, died 31/10/2000 in Birmingham. Sister, Ann, Born 17/11/1915, died 02/10/1997. 1939 Register. Unfortunately John is redacted. Father John Hardman born 27/06/1878 a General Labourer Unemployed, mother Mary A Hardman born 24/04/1876 Invalid (Bedfast) and brother Thomas Hardman born 14/11/1907 a Glass Maker In Productive Process - Taker Out In Glass House are living at 2 O'Keefe Road, St Helens.

Pte John (Jackie) Hardman was killed in Sicily during the battle of Sferro Hills, July/August 1943. The Sicilian Campaign has been described as "a long, hard vicious slog" . It involved thirty nine days of slog, in which the Germans frequently refused to take prisoners. By the time it had finished, the Highland Division had suffered 1436 Casualties, with 224 Dead. The battles of Gerbini and Sferro Hills were especially bloody and demanded inspired leadership on all levels. The only known Highland Divison Monument to be erected during the War was built high in the Sferro Hills to commemorate one of the greatest achievements of the division. It stands in proud, lonely isolation and marks the spot where a great many brave Highlanders fought their last battle.