Dick was born on 18 December 1933, and his Airborne career included a spell as RMO 1 Para in Aden, before later becoming CO 23 Parachute Field Ambulance. 

He had an interesting time with Airborne Forces as he was a National Serviceman in 33 Para Lt Regt RA, rising to at least Lance Sergeant, and subsequently went to study Medicine at the University of Aberdeen. 

Dick then returned to 16 Para Bde, moving quickly up the ranks and eventually became CO 23 Parachute Field Ambulance. 

He left command of PFA to go to Germany to command another Field Ambulance unit, 1 Armoured Division Field Ambulance, which was a new unit formed under the auspices of Wide Horizon. He made a great success of melding a couple of old-style Field Ambulances into supporting the 1st Armd Div now under command of Maj Gen Geoffrey Howlett, who had been his Comd in 16 Para Bde. 

Dick completed his career in May 1993 as Comd Med HQ 1 Br Corps in Bielefeld, Germany and at the end of this tour, was awarded an OBE for successful command. 

Brig. Hardie loved his sport, particularly football, golf and tennis, and he was a support porter during the Army Expedition up Mount Everest in 1975. 

He sadly died in September 2025, at the age of 91, leaving his wife Janet.

Written by S Spurgeon, Comms Officer, RHQ PARA