Private William Thomas Parsons
22nd Wessex and Welsh Regiment, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own)
Died in hospital
Date of Birth: 17 November 1883
Place of Birth: Teignmouth, Devon
Date of Death: 7 March 1917 aged 32
Buried: Teignmouth Cemetery on 21 March. Remembered on Seafront Memorial and St. James’ Church Memorial Window, Teignmouth, Devon.
Private William Thomas Parsons age 32. Born Teignmouth on 17 November 1883 and baptised on 27 February 1884, he was the son of Thomas, a shipwright, and Jane Parsons of Park Street, Teignmouth. He was shown living at the same address with his family for 1891, 1901 and 1911 census and was then working as a labourer. At the time of his death he was living at St. David’s Hill, Exeter.
He joined the Royal Navy in 1902 as a Boy but six months later purchased a discharge. Later he was part of the Territorial Reserve force.
William attested at Exeter on 27 November 1911 with 6th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment and served with them at home until 25 September 1915. He was then posted to 22nd Wessex and Welsh Regiment, Rifle Brigade, service number 750, and served with them on the Home Front until 7 September 1916. William was then invalided out of the service on that date with chronic otitis following injury to his ear. The War Office awarded him a pension of 5s.0d per week.
William died in an Exeter hospital on 7 March 1917. He was buried in Teignmouth Cemetery on 21 March. Remembered on Seafront Memorial and St. James’ Church Memorial Window, Teignmouth, Devon.
“Wm Thomas Parsons died in hospital at Exeter, the funeral took place at Teignmouth on 21 March. Son of Mr T Parsons of Park St, he was a Teignmouth and Newton rugby footballer. He was invalided out of RN one or two months ago. Last week admitted to hospital in Exeter but died few days later.” 23 March - Teignmouth Post (NB William was serving with the Army).
