Hardy Falconer PARSONS, VC.

Hardy Falconer PARSONS VC. 2nd Lieutenant 1/2nd attached to the 14th Gloucestershire Regiment. Died as a result of his actions on the 22nd, 21st August 1917 near Epehy in France. Son of the Rev. and Mrs. J. Ash Parsons, of Leysian Mission, City Road, London. Educated at Kingswood School, Bath. Medical Student at Bristol University, preparing for Medical Missionary Work.. The collar badge in this photo was worn by him and engraved on the back. Irene Randall 10 Newfoundland Street, Bristol, 1917. He is at rest in Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery, Somme, France.

His Victoria Cross citation reads.
For most conspicuous bravery during a night attack by a strong party of the enemy on a bombing post held by his command. The bomber holding the block were forced back, but Second Lieutenant Parsons remained at his post and single handed and although severely scorched and burnt by liquid fire, he continued to hold up the enemy with bombs until severely wounded. This very gallant act of self sacrifice and devotion to duty undoubtedly delayed the enemy long enough to allow of the organisation of a bombing party, which succeeded in driving back the enemy before they could enter any position of the trenches. The gallant officer succumbed to his wounds.