FRED Hardy was injured within three months of arriving on the frontlines in France in 1917.

The 37-year-old confectioner’s traveller from Silsden was wounded in the chest and taken to a field dressing station.

Manningham-born Fred, who was a prominent member of Silsden Bowling Club, was one of six brothers who served their country during the First World War.

After his wounding Fred, who had enlisted as a private with the Lancashire Fusiliers in 1916, was transferred to a French hospital for an operation.

The same day he asked a comrade to write his 41-year-old wife Grace to say he was safe.

The letter said: “I found Fred at a field dressing station earlier this morning. He was hit, if I remember rightly, in the chest. He is very cheerful, and is by now quite comfortable in hospital.”

Private Hardy later wrote to his wife himself, to say he had suffered “a bit of a knock”.

He added: “Never mind, the doctor says I’m doing quite well, and I shall be in England soon, so I am not worrying too much. I am now having a rest after an operation.”

Fred died from his wounds later that month.