by allanp » Fri Oct 29, 2010 7:54 pm
Hi Matthew
I have found a reference in the 2nd January 1915 edition of the Worcester Herald of:-
7266 Pte H. Parsons - Killed in Action
If you check on Ancestry you may be lucky and find Harry's service record. You can also visit the National Archive website and for £3.50 PlumPudding his medal record card.
THE BATTLE OF LANGEMARCK
At dawn on October 22nd the enemy opened a furious bombardment, and the work of completing the trenches was continued under a rain of shells and bullets. The enemy's infantry had been reinforced and made several attempts to get forward, but each time they were beaten back by the musketry of the British battalions, who held their ground all day in spite of a heavy bombardment from the German howitzers. The trenches dug overnight provided adequate cover and the actual casualties were not heavy ,bnt the constant concussion of bursting shells in all directions
made the defence of the position most trying. As darkness fell, the enemy's infantry swarmed from their trenches and charged. The main force of the attack struck against the left of the Brigade line. There the Oxfords and the Highland Light Infantry succeeded in holding their ground, and the Worcestershire had small difficulty in driving back by "fire the enemy on their front. Night fell, but the bombardment and the attacks did not cease, and firing continued intermittently all through
the hours of darkness.
Hope this helps
Regards Allan
12631 Lance Sergt George William Hill. KIA Vimy Ridge, 28 April 1916 3rd Battalion