Exeter War hero Reverend Theodore Hardy remembered in new book

An Exeter-born war hero will be among those remembered in a new book to be published this October, marking nearly 70 years since Reverend Theodore Hardy became one of the most decorated chaplains of the First World War.

Hardy, born in Exeter in 1863, received the Victoria Cross for repeatedly risking his life to reach the wounded in No Man’s Land while serving with the Lincolnshire Regiment on the Western Front.

He was also awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order, making him one of Britain’s most decorated chaplains.

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His story will be retold in Valour – The Victoria Cross & The Lincolnshire Regiment, a new history of ten men from the regiment awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest honour for gallantry.

The book spans conflicts from the Indian Mutiny of 1857 through to the Second World War and includes rare images from the Imperial War Museum.

Author and historian Matt Limb said: “Each of these ten stories reveals courage in its rawest form. They are not tales of superheroes, but of real men who chose duty, selflessness and bravery above themselves.”

The Victoria Cross has been awarded fewer than 1,400 times since its creation in 1856. Hardy remains one of Exeter’s most distinguished recipients, remembered for his compassion as well as his courage.

Valour will be published on 1 October 2025, coinciding with Lincolnshire Day. Exeter offers a chance to reflect on the city’s own connection to Britain’s highest award for bravery.