1900, Battle of Paardeberg
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.
