| Hardy Falconer Parsons | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 June 1897 Rishton, Lancashire |
| Died | 21 August 1917 (aged 20) Epehy, France |
| Buried at | Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | The Gloucestershire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I † |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Hardy Falconer Parsons VC (13 June 1897 – 21 August 1917) 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. He was educated at Kingswood School and as a medical student at the University of Bristol [1]
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He was 20 years old, and a temporary second lieutenant in the 14th (S) Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 20/21 August 1917 near Epehy, France, during a night attack by the enemy on a bombing post held by his command, the bombers holding the post were forced back, but Second Lieutenant Parsons remained at his post. Single-handed and although severely scorched and burnt by liquid fire, he continued to hold up the enemy with bombs until severely wounded. His gallant action held the enemy long enough for the defense of the position to be consolidated. Second Lieutenant Parsons died of his wounds.[2]
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, Gloucester, England.