Sidney George Parsons

Story:
Sidney George Parsons was born in 1890 in Shaftesbury, Dorset, and baptised at St. James Church, Shaftesbury, on 7th December, 1890. He was the son of George Parsons, a railway carman, and Emily Parsons (née Wright). His siblings included Alfred, born in 1873, and Charles, born in 1882, both of whom died in the war. No record has been found of Sidney in the 1911 Census but the family lived at Long Cross, Enmore Green, Shaftesbury, at the time. He enlisted in Gillingham, Dorset, as a Private in the 1st Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 3/6588). He served in France and Flanders from 23 Oct 1914 where he was killed in action in Belgium on 3rd December, 1914 and was buried at the R. E. Farm Cemetery, Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium (grave id. III.C.6). He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914 Star.  He is remembered on the Park Walk and St. James’ War Memorials, Shaftesbury. His name also appears on the Roll of Honour inside St. James’ Church and on the Holy Trinity Memorial, now in St. Peter's Church, Shaftesbury.  His mother was awarded a dependent's pension which covered both Sidney George and Charles Parsons amounting initially of 12s. (60p.) per week.