HMS Hardy (i) (H87)

( Casualty List )
Navy: Royal Navy
Type: Destroyer
Class: H 
Pennant: H 87 
Mod: Flotilla leader 
Built by: Cammell Laird Shipyard (Birkenhead, U.K.) 
Ordered: 5 Sep, 1934 
Laid down: 30 May, 1935 
Launched: 7 Apr, 1936 
Commissioned: 11 Dec, 1936 
Complement: 145
Lost: 10 Apr,1940 (Capt. B.A. Warburton-Lee, RN., VC) by German destroyer gunfire and torpedoes.from Z 2 and Z 11
   
History: Was the leader of 2nd Destroyer Flotilla during attack on ten German destroyers in Narvik. Western Europe, Battle of Narvik, Northern Norway in Ofotfiord - Attacking troop transports during the German invasion of Norway. Completed successful attack in sinking two German destroyers plus several merchant ships. On withdrawing to seaward, the 2nd DF ran into further German destroyers and was hit on the bridge, out of control and with German fire concentrated on her she was driven ashore, capsized and sank. 
  O/S Les Smale,later became (CPO Coxswain) of Hms Cavalier 1960-61 commission,took over the wheel on the death of the coxswain and steered towards shore. Also assisted in getting Captain B.A.Warburton-Lee,RN.VC.ashore where alas he died from his wounds.