25115713
Lance Corporal
A (Norfolk) Company
1st Battalion "The Vikings"
The Royal Anglian Regiment
British Army

He was serving with the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group deployed with the UK contingent of NATO forces in Afghanistan.

He and Pte James Grigg were killed by an improvised explosive device while on operations about 20 km north of Musa Qala district centre in Helmand province.

Aged 26, LCpl Hardy was born and raised in Chelmsford, Essex. He was a bricklayer before joining the army and deployed on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan only three weeks after completing infantry training in 2007. His maturity and performance identified him as a soldier with great potential. He passed his leadership course in winter 2008 and was promoted soon after. He arrived in Afghanistan on his second tour in October 2009 and was posted as section second-in-command of
3 Platoon. Known for his "carrot-top" hair and robust sense of humour, he loved football and was an ardent West Ham fan.

LCpl Hardy is survived by his father, brother Antony, sisters Angela and Joanne, nieces and nephews, his girlfriend Charlene Byrne, and many friends. His family said, "Possessing great inner strength and a powerful personality, Scott could be relied upon, even in the worst of situations, to lift his men's morale. They loved him - he loved them. Words fail to express the sorrow only a heart-broken family knows. To lose Scott, is to lose a huge part of life itself. But he will always be with us, making us smile, giving us pride and gratitude."

Funeral with full military honours was held on April 15, 2010 at Chelmsford Cathedral.

Mourners lined the streets as the cortege passed through Rainsford Road and along Duke Street led by motorcycle riders from Essex police. A military guard of honour from the Royal Anglian Regiment was also formed. The ceremony was attended by Father Alex Strachan, Chaplain to 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment and the Very Reverend Peter Judd, The Dean of Chelmsford Cathedral. Also in attendance was the Right Reverend Dr. Laurie Green, The Bishop of Bradwell; The Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre, Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Tony Sach and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Bob Denston. [From April 22, 2010 Thurrock edition of Yellow Advertiser, graciously provided by Mr. G. Gillon]

*Thanks to darealjolo for the grave photo