Francis Newton Parsons

Francis Newton Parsons VC (23 March 1875 in Dover – 10 March 1900) was educated at Dover College, joined the Essex Regiment and served in the Second Boer War. He was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

After his initial education at Dover College, he proceeded to Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and on graduation was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Essex Regiment on 28 February 1896. He was promoted to lieutenant on 1 March 1898.

Parsons was 24 years old, and in the 1st Battalion, The Essex Regiment, British Army during the Second Boer War when the following deeds took place for which he was awarded the VC. He was recommended by Lieutenant-General Kelly-Kenny, C.B.. for the award and the citation was published in the London Gazette of 20 November 1900:

THE Queen has been graciously pleased to award the decoration of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officer, whose claims have been submitted for Her Majesty's approval, for his conspicuous bravery during the engagement at Paardeberg, as stated against his name : —

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Essex Regiment, Lieutenant Francis Newton Parsons (since deceased)

On the morning of the 15th February, 1900, at Paardeberg, on the south bank of the River Modder, 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, C.B. on 3rd March latt.

Lieutenant Parsons was killed on the 10th March, in the engagement at Dreifontein, on which occasion he again displayed conspicuous gallantry.

Parsons also received a posthumous Mention in Despatches on 8 February 1901.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Essex Regiment Museum, Chelmsford, Essex, England.