Lieutenant Francis Newton Parsons Essex Regiment 18th February 1900 |
| On March 3, 1900, Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Kelly-Kenny recommended this officer for the Victoria Cross on account of his humane and devoted action during the battle of Paardeberg, February 18, 1900, when he went to the assistance of Private Ferguson, 1st Battalion. Essex Regiment, who had been wounded and fallen in an exposed place. After dressing his wounds, he twice, under a terrific fire, went to the river bank to fetch water for him, subsequently carrying him to a place of safety. It is sad to have to relate that this gallant officer was killed at Dreifontein, on March 10, 1900, being again on that occasion noticed for his conspicuous bravery. Lieutenant Parsons was the son of Dr. C. Parsons, of Dover. He was Born on March 23, 1875, entered the 1st Essex Regiment (44th) on February 29, 1896, and attained the rank he held at his death on March 1, 1898. His name is recorded, together with those of seven officers, one warrant officer, and 198 non-commissioned officers and men, on a tablet in the garrison church at Warley Barracks, placed there in memory of those of the Essex Regiment who gave their lives in their country's cause in the Boer War. The tablet was unveiled by Sir Evelyn Wood, V.C., in 1903 |