Reginald William Parsons, Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery (regtl. numbers: 940; 292638).  Enlisted on 17th October 1915 in Oxford and was appointed to the 136th (Oxfordshire) Heavy Battery.  He was 19 years and 4 days old on enlistment (b. 1896) and gave his occupation as a plumber's apprentice.  He was 5 ft 8 and 3/4 inches tall and weighed 157 pounds.
He was the son of William John Parsons and Minnie Parsons of 53 Norreys Avenue, Abingdon Road, Oxford (formerly of 52 Juxon Street, Oxford).  He had two sisters, Gladys May Parsons (b. 1898) and Marjorie (b. 1900).

On 28 August 1916 he embarked from Southampton, arriving in Havre, France, the following day, and joining up with the 136th Heavy Battery on 2 September.
He was attached to the 18th Anti Aircraft Battery for a month, Oct-Nov 1916.

On 18th April 1918 he died from shot wounds to the abdomen and thigh, received in action.

Among his service papers is a letter written to the RGA in Dover, by his father, which reads:

"Sir,
My wife receive a letter from 2nd Lieut. H. Harris of the 136 Battery R.G.A. dated the 19th April 18 stating that my son No. 292638 Gnr. R. W. Parson of that Battery was badly wounded on the night of the 17th & 18th April and that he was taken to a hospital. Since then we have heard no tidings of the lad.  Being the only boy we are terribly anxious to know how he is progressing and where he is.  I am home on short leave from Ripon, hoping you can give me some information.
Believe me to remain, yours obediently, No. 346903 Serg. W. J Parsons."

On the 28th April 1918 Mrs Parsons received the telegram no-one wanted to receive:
"Regret inform you Officer Commanding 62 Casualty Clearing Station France reports received 24th April died 18th April 292638 Gunner R Parsons 136 Heavy Battery RGA shot wound abdomen and thigh".

His father signed receipt for his service medals on 13th April 1920

Jemma Hayward