Personal Details
Alfred John Parker was born in Nantwich, Cheshire in 1885, the eldest son of the late John and Eliza Parker of 60 Pillory Street, Nantwich, Cheshire. Husband of Eva Mary Parker of 1 The Barony, Nantwich, Cheshire and father of one child.
The 1911 Census shows his occupation as grocer’s assistant.
Military Details
Regiment : 323rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery
Rank : Gunner
Service Number : 161085
Killed in action; France 18 April 1918 Aged 33
The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
Further Information
Report in the Nantwich Guardian 26th April 1918 regarding the death of Alfred John Parker
“News was received this week that Gunner Alfred John Parker, R.G.A., son of the late Mr. John Parker and Mrs. Parker, Pillory-street, Nantwich, has been killed in action. The Major of his battery, in a letter of sympathy to his wife, paid a tribute to her husband’s fine qualities as a soldier. He mentioned that death took place instantaneously. Gunner Parker, who was 33 years of age, enlisted twelve months ago, and was recently wounded, and had only rejoined the artillery three days before his death, which occurred on Thursday last week. Before joining the Army he was an assistant in the provisions department of Messrs. P. H. Chesters, in whose employ he had been for 22 years. He leaves a widow and a daughter.”
Nantwich Guardian 26th April 1918
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Information provided by Whitchurch Museum and Archives