Robert Hardy was born 1889 at Stockton on Tees. He was the son of Robert and Eliza Hardy, and brother of John and Thomas who also served in WW1.

Robert joined the Durham Light Infantry under age with a false name, but this is not known. Robert survived the war.

Robert is the father of Joe Hardy of School Aycliffe. Joe himself is one of the last Bevan Boys of WW2.