World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, he served as a Lance Corporal in the Royal Marines Light Infantry, Royal Naval Division. On the night of April 30, 1915, at Gallipoli, Turkey, an officer of the Royal Marines Light Infantry in command of an Isolated fire trench at Gaba Tepe sent a message asking for ammunition, water and medical stores. The message was received by Captain of the Portsmouth Battalion, who detailed a party of volunteers to carry water, ammunition and stretcher bearers to the post. Lance Corporal Parker with the other volunteers had to cross an area of some four hundred yards completely exposed and swept with heavy enemy fire. Lance Corporal Parker alone succeeded in reaching the trench with all the remaining men in his party were either killed or wounded. After his arrival and although seriously wounded himself, he rendered assistance to the wounded. For displaying supreme courage without any personal consideration, he was the first Royal Marine of World War I to be awarded the Victoria Cross presented by King George V. Parker at Buckingham Palace on July 21, 1917. He never fully recovered from his injuries and died at age 55 at Stapleford, Nottingham.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, he served as a Lance Corporal in the Royal Marines Light Infantry, Royal Naval Division. On the night of April 30, 1915, at Gallipoli, Turkey, an officer of the Royal Marines Light Infantry in command of an Isolated fire trench at Gaba Tepe sent a message asking for ammunition, water and medical stores. The message was received by Captain of the Portsmouth Battalion, who detailed a party of volunteers to carry water, ammunition and stretcher bearers to the post. Lance Corporal Parker with the other volunteers had to cross an area of some four hundred yards completely exposed and swept with heavy enemy fire. Lance Corporal Parker alone succeeded in reaching the trench with all the remaining men in his party were either killed or wounded. After his arrival and although seriously wounded himself, he rendered assistance to the wounded. For displaying supreme courage without any personal consideration, he was the first Royal Marine of World War I to be awarded the Victoria Cross presented by King George V. Parker at Buckingham Palace on July 21, 1917. He never fully recovered from his injuries and died at age 55 at Stapleford, Nottingham.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Advertisement
See more Parker memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
