The file contains a number of documents which in summary are:
1) Attestation Record - filled up 6th April 1888 on entry at the Kingston depot of the East Surrey Regiment showing he was born in the parish of Pimlico, London, Middlesex. He was then 18 years old, a grocer by trade. He had not been an apprentice nor had he been imprisoned. His army number was 2353 and he was posted to the 2nd Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment.
2) Medical Examination - Personal details: age physically equivalent to 19, height 5 ft 5 ins, weight 119 lbs, chest 33 ins, complexion: fair, eyes: grey, hair: dark brown, religion: C of E. Distinctive marks: "LFO" on right arm with anchor, cross, swords and dots. "LFO my love" on left forearm. Certified medically fit to enlist.
3) Service Record in 2nd East Surrey Regt - Enlisted 4.4.88, granted 1st Good Conduct pay 4.4.90, appointed bandsman 26.10.91, granted 2nd Good Conduct pay award 4.4.94, transferred to Army Reserve 1.11.95 and discharged at the depot. "Re-called to Army Service under Special Army Order of 7th October 1899. 9.10.99"
Discharged termination of engagement as a Private 30.6.01. Total Service: 13 years 88 days.
4) Military History sheet -Home 4.4.88 - 22. 2.93 4 yrs 325 days
Malta 23.2.93 - 28.10.95 2 239
Home 29.10.95 - 20.10.99 3 35
S. Africa 21.10.99 - 8. 8.00 292
Home 9.8.00 - 30. 6.01 326
Total 13 88
Next of Kin: Father - Lawrence William Hardy, 34 Birchanger Road, South Norwood, Surrey
Medals: South Africa - was paid the S Africa gratuity on discharge
Married: Bertha L Setters St Peter Port
Children: Lawrence W 19.9.96, Florence Bertha 20.12.90, Gertrude Matilda 25.2.99