Corporal William Hope Hardie was born in North Berwick, Scotland, on January 12, 1890, to parents James and Agnes Hope Hardie. Prior to his immigration to Canada around 1912, William Hardie married Margaret “Chrissy” Combe of North Berwick, Scotland, although the marriage may have been kept secret for several years. Settling in Manitoba, he worked as a railway clerk, as well as serving in the Winnipeg militia regiment the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada.

Hardie enlisted in Winnipeg with the 43rd Battalion on January 16, 1915, and sailed the following June to England aboard the S.S. Grampian. After several months of training in England, Hardie was sent in November to France to join the 16th Battalion. He returned to Canada and was demobilized in Quebec on July 4, 1919.

Content notes:
Photos are soldiers’ portraits of brothers William and Robert Hardie (a resident of Scottland, Robert served with the British Expeditionary Force). William’s portrait is notable for his Scottish kit with sheepskin coat.

External link:
Cpl. William Hardie’s service record (Serv/Reg #420946) can be viewed/downloaded in pdf format through Library and Archives Canada.