Mr Robert Hardy was born on the 26 November 1924, making him 100 in November. He joined the Royal Navy as soon as he was old enough and volunteered to serve in the Royal Naval Patrol Service as a Minesweeper. 
His most notable service, and that of which he often talks, was in Malta during the siege. He was also involved in the invasion of Italy, the Battle of the Atlantic and D-Day, specifically clearing the lanes into Omaha Beach, something that troubles him deeply.
In November last year, Robert Hardy was invited to the Festival of Remembrance to commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic (you may have seen him on the TV, pictures attached) and his grandsons Lee and Jon accompanied him at the Cenotaph, where he was at the front of the Royal Naval Association section. 
Robert has also attended events such as the Mountbatten Festival of Music, an event showcasing the Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines with proceeds being donated to RMA- The Royal Marines Charity and The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity. 
The lasting legacy that Mr Hardy will leave behind is immense and this is clear from the pride his grandsons Jon and Lee have for him. Lee is a veteran of the Royal Marines, having served a full career, and his brother Jon is now in the RM Reserves, having served a full career in the Army.
Recently, G.H.Q Spirits kindly gifted Mr Hardy his favourite tipple- a special edition Rum aptly named 'Operation Overlord'. The rum forms part of a wider range which also includes a Vodka and a Gin to represent the three arms of the armed forces. To commemorate the 
80th anniversary of D-Day, G.H.Q Spirits is generously giving £10 from the sale of each bottle to support veterans from the tri-services - the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity is honoured to be one of their chosen charities along with the Army Benevolent Fund and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. If you wish to purchase a bottle of G.H.Q Spirits, you can .
We must pay our respect to the bravery of these men and woman who took part in D-Day and the wider war efforts. We encourage people to share their stories and take the time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices they made. You can view many stories like Robert's on our.
We will continue to support them and we will continue to remember them.
