Aged 27 years

Died 3rd May 1917

Commemorated at Vauxbuin French National Cemetery
Grave III. B.8.

The Rushden Echo, 18^th May, 1917, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Rushden Soldier’s Death - Gunner W. T. Parker - Unofficially Reported Killed

We deeply regret to report that Mr. & Mrs. T. Parker, of 12 Park Place, Rushden, have received news from unofficial sources that their eldest son, 75180, Gunner Wm. T. Parker, of the Siege Battery, R.G.A., was killed recently in France.

The news was sent to the deceased soldier’s wife, who since her husband was called up has resided with his parents.  Up to yesterday neither the late Gunner Parker’s wife nor his parents had received any direct news, but a comrade named Cumberpatch, in a letter to Miss Childs of Harborough Road, mentions that Gunner Parker had been killed.  He sends the sad news on behalf of the late Gunner Parker’s bosom friend, Gunner McDonnell, who came to Rushden with the deceased soldier on his last leave.  Gunner McDonnell asked Driver Cumberpatch to notify Mrs. Parker of her bereavement. 

The late Gunner Parker enlisted on April 20^th 1916, and went to France in September last year.

Prior to being called up he was employed by Messrs. Knight and Lawrence, boot manufacturers, Rushden.

The late Gunner Parker, who is 27 years of age, leaves a widow with whom much sympathy is felt, as also with his parents, who have another son with the Colours  -  Pte. Arthur Edward Parker in the Training Reserve, at present stationed at Southend.

In Memoriam - Sympathetic reference to the death in action of Gunner W T Parker, of 12 Park-road, Rushden, was made at the Park-road Wesleyan Church on Sunday evening. The Rev H S Southall, preacher, said that the deceased solider had been a Sunday School scholar in connection with the church, and they believed he had not forgotten the lesson he had been taught in their school. Just as he had served his earthly king nobly and well, so, they believed he had served the King of Kings and the lord of Lords.

Rushden Victim of the War

Gunner William T Parker, RGA, son of Mr and Mrs T Parker, of 12 Park-road, Rushden, who was accidentally killed in France, on May 3rd, 1917, aged 27 years. Deceased leaves a widow.

In Memoriam

PARKER - In ever loving memory of Gunner William Thomas Parker, who was accidentally killed in France on May 3rd, 1917, "Though lost to sight, to memory ever dear."

From his Wife, Father, Mother and Brother.
12, Park-road, Rushden, May 2nd 1919.