Sir Thomas Hardy, 1st Baronet
| Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, 1st Bt | |
|---|---|
Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy
|
|
| Born |
5 April 1769 Kingston Russell, Dorset, United Kingdom |
| Died | 20 September 1839 (aged 70) Greenwich, London |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom/British Empire
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Navy
|
| Years of service | 1790 - 1839 |
| Rank | Vice-Admiral |
| Commands held |
HMS Mutine HMS Vanguard HMS Foudroyant HMS Princess Charlotte HMS San Josef HMS St George HMS Isis HMS Amphion HMS Victory HMS Triumph HMS Barfleur HMS Ramillies HMS Princess Augusta South America Station Greenwich Hospital |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath |
Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, 1st Baronet GCB (5 April 1769 – 20 September 1839) was a Royal Navy officer. He took part in the Battle of Cape St Vincent in February 1797, the Battle of the Nile in August 1798 and the Battle of Copenhagen in April 1801 during the French Revolutionary Wars. He served as flag captain to Admiral Lord Nelson, and commanded HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in October 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars. Nelson was shot as he paced the decks with Hardy, and as he lay dying, Nelson's famous remark of "Kiss me, Hardy" was directed at him. Hardy went on to become First Naval Lord in November 1830 and in that capacity refused to become a Member of Parliament and encouraged the introduction of steam warships.
Born the second son of Joseph Hardy and Nanny Hardy (née Masterman) at Kingston Russell House in Long Bredy (or according to some sources in Winterborne St Martin), Hardy joined the navy with his entry aboard the brig HMS Helena on 30 November 1781 as a captain's servant, but left her in April 1782 to attend Crewkerne Grammar School. During his time at school his name was carried on the books of the sixth-rate HMS Seaford and the third-rate HMS Carnatic.
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