Arthur Parkinson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Father: Thomas Parkinson, born in 1853 at Yarwell, Northamptonshire,and working as a painter's labourer. Mother: Susan Parkinson, born in 1858 at Bicester, Oxfordshire, and worked when a widow as a laundress. Brothers:Thomas, born in 1879 at Arnold, Nottinghamshire and employed as a soldier and John H., born in1883 in Nottingham and working as a bricklayer's labourer. Sisters: Kate, born in 1881 in Nottingham and working as a lace finisher, Louisa, born in 1890 in Nottingham and Florae, born in 1898 in Nottingham. The family lived at 9 Harvey Terrace, St. Ann's, Nottingham before moving to 3A Belle Vue Road, St. Ann's Well Road, Nottingham. Arthur married his wife Maud Meads in 1911 at Nottingham and they went on to have a son Arthur b1911 and a daughter Grace b1914 in Nottingham
Sgt. Parkinson was posted to 'A' Company, 15th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, and was involved in the fighting at the Battle of the Somme. The battalion relieved 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment in trenches south east of Trones Wood and prepared for an attack on positions near Maltz Horn Farm. Whilst the preparations were underway Sgt. Parkinson was killed. He was buried at Guillemot Road Cemetery, Guillemont. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission record his death as taking place on 17th July 1916, as does 'Soldiers Died.' However, the register of the disposal of his personal effects gives a period of 17th-20th July 1916. The battalion entered the line on 17th July and was involved in an attack on Maltz Horn Farm on 20th July 1916. The balance of probability is that he lost his life in the attack.
Death notices published 14th August 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “PARKINSON. – Killed in action, July 17th, 1916, Sergt. A. Parkinson, Sherwood Foresters, 31 years, the dearly loved husband of Maud Parkinson. He bravely answered his country's call, he gave his life for one and all; the unknown grave is the bitterest blow, none but aching hearts can know. Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord. – Sadly missed by his sorrowing wife and child. “PARKINSON. – Killed in action, Sergt. A. Parkinson, Sherwood Foresters, 31 years, the youngest son of Susan Parkinson. Our boy has gone, and we are left to think of him in sorrow; but we must hope to meet again on that eternal morrow. Loved by all. – His loving mother, sisters, and brothers.” In memoriam published 17th July 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “PARKINSON. – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergeant Arthur Parkinson, Sherwood Foresters, who fell in action July 17th, 1916. On year has passed, our hearts still sore, as days go by we miss him more. – Sorrowing mother, sisters, and brothers.” In memoriam published 20th July 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “PARKINSON. – In affectionate remembrance of my dear husband, Sergt. Arthur Parkinson, Sherwood Foresters, killed in action July 20th, 1916.(sic) God will link the broken chain, closer when we meet again. Dearly loved and sadly missed. – Sorrowing wife, little Cissie, and sister Grace.” All above notices are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
