Hardy Falconer Parsons

Burnt by liquid fire, he held the trench against the attack.

Hardy Falconer Parsons VC refused to abandon his bombing post when German troops attacked with flamethrowers near Épehy, France, during the night of 20–21 August 1917. A temporary second lieutenant in the 14th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, he continued throwing grenades after the other defenders had been forced back. Although severely burned, he delayed the attackers long enough for a fresh British bombing party to assemble and drive them away. He died from his wounds on 21 August, aged 20.

Parsons was born at Rishton, Lancashire, in June 1897, the son of a Wesleyan minister. His education included King Edward VII School at Lytham St Annes and Kingswood School in Bath. He went on to study medicine at the University of Bristol, intending to become a medical missionary. He volunteered for military service in November 1915 and initially entered the Army Reserve.

After joining Bristol University’s Officer Training Corps, Parsons trained with the 6th Officer Cadet Battalion at Balliol College, Oxford. Commissioned in January 1917, he reached France that March. His battalion was defending recently captured ground at The Knoll when he fought his final action.

The Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously. King George V presented it to his father at Durdham Down, Bristol, on 8 November 1917. Parsons is buried in Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery, France. His Victoria Cross, British War Medal and Victory Medal are preserved by the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery during a night attack by a strong party of the enemy on a bombing post held by his command. The bombers holding the block were forced back, but 2nd Lt. 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 portion of the trenches. This gallant officer succumbed to his wounds.

Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 16 October 1917. 17 October 1917, Numb. 30338, p. 10677