Rushden Research Group: Pte Wm D Parker 1918 HF

Private William Donald Bathurst Parker

235147 2nd Battalion South Lancs Regiment

Son of William & Alice Parker

Died 6th October 1917

Aged 20 years

Commemorated at Quievrain Communal Cemetery
Sp. Memorial

Born at Yelden.

Rushden Echo, 26th April 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

Higham Ferrers - Mrs. J. W. Parker, of 20, Wellingborough-road, Higham Ferrers, has received an official notification that her son, 235147, Pte. William Donald Bathurst Parker, South Lancashire Regiment (formerly of the Northants Regt.), was posted as missing after the engagement on March 22nd. Pte. Parker, who is but 20 years of age, joined the forces three years ago, at the age of 16, and was sent to France last June. Up to the time of enlistment he was apprenticed to the coach-building with his uncle, Mr. Fred Parker, of Higham Ferrers. Mrs. Parker will be glad to hear from any of her son's comrades who can send her any further information. Pte. Parker, who has once been gassed and wounded, was up to the time of joining the Colours a member of the Higham Church Lads' Brigade, and was also a regular attendant at the Higham Ferrers evening continuation school.

Rushden Echo, 13th December 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

War Prisoner’s Death—The German’s cruelty of compelling British prisoners of war to work behind the lines has resulted in the death of Pte William D B Parker, 2nd South Lancs., of Wellingborough-road, Higham Ferrers. The following letter was received by his parents from a friend who was a prisoner with Pte Parker, both being behind the German lines when British aeroplanes made a raid. He says: “Dear Mrs Parker, I write with deep regret and sympathy to inform you of the mishap which occurred to your son Wm. Donald on October 6th last. It was about 4a.m. when some British aeroplanes come over to bomb the station near our billet. One bomb was dropped ten yards from the billet, causing the splintering of all the woodwork, smashing every bit of glass, and wounding two of our boys, Donald’s wound proving fatal. I was the only one of the Lancs. on the spot at this time, so the chaps handed over to me Donald’s wallet and Testament, but I did not have his wallet long, as the German in charge said he must have it as a reference to our War office. Anyway, they left me his Testament, so I decided to give it to a chap who lives quite close to your home, and hope by this time that you have received same. I can say that Donald was buried with full military honours, as I was one who attended his funeral. This all occurred in a town called Quievrain, France, and not far from the Belgian frontier. If you should require any more information I shall only be too pleased to give it to you.”

Return to Obituaries Index