Charles Parsons

Story:
Charles Parsons was born in 1882 in Shaftesbury, Dorset, and baptised at St. James Church, Shaftesbury, on 4th June 1882. He was the son of George Parsons, a railway carman, and Emily Parsons (nee Wright). His siblings included Alfred, born in 1873, and Sidney George, born in 1890, both of whom died in the war.   His parents lived at Long Cross, Enmore Green, Shaftesbury in 1911. He enlisted as a Private with the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 16888) but later transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (New Service No. 31773). He served in France and Flanders where he was killed in action on 23rd April, 1917 and he has no known grave. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.   His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, Pas de Calais, France (Bay 6). He is remembered on the Park Walk and St. James’ War Memorials. He also appears on the Roll of Honour in St. James’ Church and on the Holy Trinity Memorial, now in St. Peter's Church, Shaftesbury.  His mother was in receipt of a pension which covered both Charles and Sidney George.