Reginald Alfred Parker (1891-1917)
Hounslow born man served with 1/9th Durham Light Infantry
Reginald Alfred Parker was born in Hounslow, Greater London on 6 April 1891. His parents, Charles Joseph Humphrey Parker and Lydia Susannah Parker had married on 10 June 1877. He was the youngest of 11 children born to the couple, although sadly five did not survive childhood.
By 1901 the Parker family had moved from Hounslow to Fulham where Reginald’s father worked as an assistant to a fruit dealer and seller. By 1911 all of Charles’ and Lydia’s children were working, including their two daughters Lydia and Nora. Reginald’s brothers William and Ernest worked as a picture frame maker and designer, whilst his sister Dora was an assistant teacher for Ealing Council. Reginald had joined his older sister Lydia to work as a clerk. In 1911 he was working for a gas light and coke company.
Reginald enlisted into the army in Hounslow, serving with the 1/9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry as a private. As part of this battalion Reginald fought in the Battle of Arras in April 1917. He was killed in action on 14 April 1917 at the age of 26. His probate documents show he left £35.10.11d to his older brother William as his parents had both died by this time.
Reginald’s older brother Ernest also served during the First World War, as part of the County of London Regiment.
Birth date: 6-Apr-1891
Death date: 14-Apr-1917
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: 24 Musard Road, Fulham (1899 School Record, 1901 Census)
67 Silver Crescent, Gunnersbury, Chiswick (1911 Census)
Education: Halford Road School, Fulham
Employment: Clerk at Gas Light and Coke Company (1911 Census)
Family: Parents: Charles Joseph Humphrey Parker (b 1855), Lydia Susannah Parker nee Davies (b 1852)
Siblings: Charles J. H. Parker (b 1878), Lydia Helen Parker (b 1879), William Henry Parker (b 1882), George Fred Parker (b 1885), Dora Olympia Parker (b 1887), Nowell Arthur Parker (b 1889), Ernest Pool Parker (b 1890)
Military service:
Service Numbers 9/7465, 32819
1st/9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Private
Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal
Memorial(s): Arras memorial
DLI Book of remembrance 1914-18, Durham Cathedral
Gender: Male
Contributed by Brenda Mc, Gateshead
