John Henry's Story.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Parker of 17 Brook Street, Egremont, Cheshire. John Henry Parker had been at the Front for 17 months. Before enlisting he was employed, as was his father, by the Borough Engineers and Surveyors Department of Wallasey Corporation. John was a member of St. Mary’s church, Liscard. He served with the 5th (The Earl of Chester’s) Battalion The Cheshire Regiment who were the Pioneers for the 56th (1st London) Division. They were used extensively during the Battle of the Somme.
His Lieutenant wrote to Mrs. Parker as follows: “ I am deeply grieved having to write and tell you of the death of your son, 15591, Private J.H.Parker, who died in action on October 1st 1916, about 9 p.m. We were on our way up to the trenches when a shell burst in the middle of the platoon, killing your son instantaneously. I can’t tell you what a shock it is both to the platoon and myself, as he was always so good, cheerful and fearless, even in the greatest of danger. Although I have not been with the platoon long, I was fully aware what a good fellow he was, and I was told by many, what excellent work he did, and he was dearly loved by the whole platoon. I feel sure you will be proud to feel that he died doing his duty to the very last. I personally looked through his kit, but found nothing belonging to him to be sent home, and nothing could be found actually on him. I enclose my deepest sympathy, in which the whole platoon joins me.”
Lt.(A/Capt) T.L.C. Heald wrote in his diary: “Digging operations again. New advanced trenches. Started at five did not reach our work until 2.30 a.m. No one knew the way. The Germans spotted us digging. We got too near to them and we had a hell of a time. They put a barrage of 5.9 heavy shells just on us. “B” company had to go. We stayed and finished the job. Was nearly daylight when we left. He spotted us again and shelled. An awful night. I did not expect to get out alive. My company had thirteen hit, including an officer. We got back at 7.00 a.m. absolutely done.”
Officer commanding “C” company October 1st. 1916
WAR DIARY
BRIQUETERIE (Attack on Le Transloy)
1.10.16. All companies engaged on digging advanced fire trenches
Casualties 1 O.R. killed, 9 O.Rs. wounded of whom 4 since dead.
Draft of O.Rs. Arrived
2.10.16. Two companies on advanced trenches
Sec.Lt. W.K.ARMISTEAD wounded, 5 O.Rs killed, 1 O.R. died of wounds, 13 O.Rs. Wounded.
Researched by Don Rustage