HARDY, SIR THOMAS MASTERMAN, Bart. (1769 1839), British vice-admiral, of the Portisham (Dorsetshire) fam ily of Hardy, was born on April 5, 1769, and in 1781 began his career as a sailor. He became lieutenant in 1793, and in 1796, being then attached to the "Minerve" frigate, attracted the atten tion of Nelson by his gallant conduct. He continued to serve with distinction, and in 1798 was promoted to be captain of the "Van guard," Nelson's flagship. In the "St. George" he did valuable work before the battle of Copenhagen in 18o1. He was Nelson's flag-captain on the "Victory" at the battle of Trafalgar in 18o5, witnessed Nelson's will, and was in close attendance on him at his death. Hardy was created a baronet in 1806. He was then em ployed on the North American station, and later (1819), was made commodore and commander-in-chief on the South American station. In 1825 he became rear-admiral, and in December 1826 escorted the expeditionary force to Lisbon. In 183o he was made first sea lord of the admiralty, being created G.C.B. in 1831. In 1834 he was appointed governor of Greenwich hospital, where he died on Sept. 20, 1839.
See Broadley and Bartelot, The Three Dorset Captains at Trafalgar (5906), and Nelson's Hardy, his Life, Letters and Friends (19o9).