Serving in the campaign on the North West Frontier of India in 1897–98, he was with the Malakand Field Force and was present in the engagement at Landakai and in the operations in Bajaur and in the Mamund Country; then with the Buner Field Force including the capture of the Tanga pass; for which he received the medal with clasp.
He served in the Second Boer War in South Africa 1899–1900 as a Divisional Signalling Officer 5th Infantry Division, and was later appointed Deputy Assistant Adjutant General for intelligence for South Africa.
He was mentioned in despatches (including the final despatch by Lord Kitchener dated 23 June 1902[3]), and received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his service.
[4] Following the end of the war in South Africa, he returned to the Royal Garrison Artillery in July 1902.
[5] McHardy was the first Colony Commissioner of the Boy Scout Association, Hong Kong Branch in 1914 and 1915.