PARSONS, FRANCIS NEWTON, Lieutenant, was born 23 March 1875, at
Dover, son of Charles Parsons, MD aud Venetia Digby Parsons. He was
educated at King's College School, Cambridge; at Dover College, and at
Sandhurst, and joined the 1st Battalion (44th) Essex Regiment, February
1896, being promoted to Lieutenant 1 March, 1898. He was awarded the
Victoria Cross [London Gazette, 20 November 1900]: "Francis Newton Parsons,
Lieutenant, The Essex Regiment (since deceased). Date of Act of Bravery: 18
February 1900. On the morning of the 18th February 1900, at Paardeberg, on
the south bank of the Modder River, Private Ferguson 1st Battalion Essex
Regiment , was wounded and fell in a place devoid of cover. While trying to
crawl under cover, he was again wounded, in the stomach. Lieutenant Parsons
at once went to his assistance, dressed his wound, under heavy fire, went
down twice (still under heavy fire) to the bank of the river to get water
for Private Ferguson, and subsequently carried him to a place of safety.
This officer was recommended for the Victoria Cross by Lieutenant General
Kelly-Kenny, CB, on the 3rd March last. Lieutenant Parsons was killed on
the 10th March, in the engagement at Driefontein, on which occasion he again
displayed conspicuous gallantry". He was again noticed for his conspicuous
bravery on 10 March, 1900, in the fight at Driefontein, on which occasion he
met his death. His name is recorded, together with those of seven officers,
one warrant officer, and 198 non-commissioned officers and men, on a tablet
placed there in memory of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of
the Essex Regiment who gave their lives for their country in the Boer War.
Sir Evelyn Wood unveiled this tablet in 1903. His name is also
commemorated on the St Mary's Church war memorial at Dover.
See his
casualty entry.
VC, QSA (3) RofK, Paard, Drief. His medals were presented to the Regimental
Museum at Warley, Essex, by his family in 1962.
