Walter George PARKINSON

Regimental number3648
Place of birthKyabram Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationBlacksmith
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, A G Parkinson, Pedrick PO, Pedrick via Kyabram, Victoria
Enlistment date17 November 1914
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade 2, Reinforcement 2 and Reinforcement 3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A45 Hessen on 2 February 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Division Trench Mortar Battery
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: ART Div 1
Promotion date: 25 September 1918

Lieutenant


Unit: ART Div 1
Promotion date: 25 December 1918

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Great gallantry and devotion to duty whilst in charge of party of trench mortar personnel, enabling valuable services to be rendered.' (At Westhoek 18-19 September 1917.)
Recommendation date: 19 September 1917

FateReturned to Australia 12 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'At WESTHOEK on the night of the 18th/19th September, 1917 these N.C.O.s showed great gallantry and devotion to duty whilst in charge of a party of Trench Mortar personnel, and succeeded in emplacing near the outposts one 9.45 inch Trench Mortar and one 6 inch Newton Mortar. These Mortars were required to demolish two enemy strong points which were a menace to our attack. The work was accomplished in spite of very heavy hostile barrage throughout the night. Thirty six rounds of 9.45 and forty four rounds of 6 inch Newton were fired by 8.20 a.m. and the strong points successfully engaged. These N.C.O.s showed a magnificent example and great determination throughout.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918