Topic: Lionel Harry Parson
Topic type:
Lionel Harry Parson (Service no. 6/116) was a First World War soldier.
Born on 8 January 1890 Lionel was the eldest son of Harry Hepworth and Frances Ann (nee Cavanagh). He had an older sister, Irene, and 3 younger brothers, Leonard, Harold (died in infancy) and Albert.
He had been educated at Christchurch Boys’ High School where he was a champion athlete, and part of the first fifteen and first eleven rugby sides. After leaving school he was involved with the Old Boys’ senior fifteen team which won the D.C.L. championship shield in 1913 and 1914. Lionel was also a prominent member of the Canterbury Rowing Club, and Richmond Hill Golf Club.
According to The Press he was the third member of a trio known as the Three Musketeers in A Company of the Canterbury Infantry Battalion, with F.L. Buttle and F.L Sapsford. (Press, 24 May 1915, Page 7)
Lionel was 23 years old when he was killed in action on the 2 May 1915 at Gallipoli, Turkey.
In June 1915 his parents received mixed messages regarding their son with official news arriving informing them he was missing, then a message to say he was progressing favourably but with no details on location or hospital, and then finally another report to say he was still missing. (Press, 30 June 1915, Page 5). In July they received definite news that he had been killed in action on the 2nd May.
He is remembered on the Lone Pine Memorial, and on a memorial plaque for BNZ employees, BNZ Arcade, Wellington.
Related resources
- Lionel Parson’s military personnel file. Archives New Zealand (Archway)
- Online Cenotaph record for Lionel Parson. Auckland War Memorial Museum
References
- PRIVATE L. H, PARSON. Press, Volume LI, Issue 15318, 30 June 1915, Page 5
- LIONEL PARSON. Star , Issue 11430, 3 July 1915, Page 10
- PRIVATE L. H. PARSON. Press, Volume LI, Issue 15286, 24 May 1915, Page 7
- For King and Empire. Sun, 24 May 1915, Page 6
