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WW1
Parsons Robert George
Born Launceston Tasmania, an engineer living in Victoria he embarked Melbourne 23rd November 1916 on board “HMAT Hororata” with the 2nd Pioneer Battalion. He was killed in action 20th September 1917 and is commemorated in the Hooge Crater Cemetery, Belgium. A brother Sidney Parsons (No 50131) died from wounds 5th September 1918 and was buried in the Daours Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Private Fred. Long writing to the relative of Private Robert Parsons killed in action, says – "You will have received an official report before this about Bob Parsons being killed. I was in the same platoon on the day of the 20th September. We were out on a job, and about 6pm, just as the sun was setting, they started to shell us. Bob was a little way from me when we all took cover, but a shell landed right on him I am grieved to say I was not sure that he was there as there had been several shells and when it eased off I looked where I thought he was, but could see nothing of him, and then had to take cover again for a while. When making inquires after some one said that he was wounded in the foot, but they must have been mistaken, as the next day they picked up Bob's pay-book, so the shell must have blown him up. I was hoping until then that he was only wounded, but the officer was so sure that he said I could write and tell you. Of course, you will understand I am telling you more than I could tell his mother. I looked through his things yesterday and found two letters to his mother and I send them on. He had all his private things on him, bar these so that they are missing. He is much missed in the company, as he was a good fellow all round, and was regarded as a dinkum soldier. That is his praise here and he will remain in our memory as such, as we know his worth. We buried his remains decently, and will erect a memorial on the Flanders Plains. We all join in sympathy with you and his mother for the loss of a son, and our comrade, who was a brave soldier and a man. If there is any thing further we can do for you to ease his mother's pain and worry; we will be at your service. I am writing to his mother but not putting details as you can judge best if she should know all. He served 11 months, and died a true Australian. I close in deep sympathy with you in your loss. The chaplain also wrote to the deceased's soldiers mother (Mrs Mayne), as follows -Dear Mrs Mayne, It is with deep regret I write concerning the death of your son, Private R. G. Parsons, and offer you my sincere sympathy. My own brother, having been killed in the same battle, enables me to understand your feelings somewhat. They are noble men. I use the present tense, because they still live, though in a different and better sphere. To me their death is but the culminating point in a long sacrifice, which commenced on enlistment. They laid their all on the altar of their country's need and God accepted their offering in the services of humanity. The road which they were making under shell fire was completed and enabled us to rush the guns through after the advance, thus saving the lives of thousands. Your son's life, together with many comrades, was the price paid. We must not mourn without hope. A nobler death they could not die. God is there as here, so whether here or there God is their refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. May God help us in our hour of sorrow " The Mercury 30th January 1918
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