Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Image from Official Birth Registration Indexes
© findmypast.co.uk
Henry Charles Parker was born in the 1st quarter of 1892 in Shoreham, Sussex to agricultural labourer George and Matilda Elizabeth (nee Cox).
Henry’s father George was born about 1854 in Chaldon, Dorset to agricultural labourer Jacob, born about 1816 in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset, and Ann, born about 1822 in Chaldon. His mother Matilda Elizabeth Cox was born about 1861 in Sutton, Dorset to carter and labourer George and Harriet. Matilda Elizabeth was baptised on 8th September 1861 in Sutton Poyntz, where the family lived. George and Matilda married on 21st April 1887 in Chaldon Herring, Dorset. At the time of the marriage, the both partners lived in Chaldon and George was working as a carter.
Henry had five siblings: Frederick George born about 1889 in Coombe Keynes, Dorset; Ellen Matilda born about 1891 in Coombes, Sussex; William Arthur born about 1894; Florence Annie born about 1897 and Alice May born about 1900; all in Shoreham, Sussex.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Farm Cottages, Coombes. George was working as a labourer and Matilda was looking after their children: Frederick and Ellen.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at Byworth, Petworth in Sussex. George was working as a foreman on a farm and Matilda was looking after their children: Frederick, Matilda, Henry, William, Florence and Alice.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at Byworth. George was working as a foreman on a farm and Matilda was looking after their children: Farm workers Frederick; Henry and William; and Florence and Alice. Matilda stated that she had given birth to six children. The accommodation had seven rooms.
Henry married Annie Hilda Etherington on 25th May 1913 at St Martin’s church in Dorking, Surrey. At the time of the marriage, the couple lived at Riverside in Dorking and Charles was working as a labourer.
Henry’s wife Annie was born in the 2nd quarter of 1892 in Lurgashall, Sussex. She was baptised on 10th April 1892 in Lurgashall. Annie’s mother Dinah Etherinton is the only stated parent on her baptism certificate.
Dinah Etherington was born as Dianah Charlotte Etherington in the 1st quarter of 1868 in Lurgashall. Dinah married Rowland Luff in the 3rd quarter of 1898 in Reigate, Surrey. Rowland Luff was born in Lurgashall. Prior to her marriage, Dinah gave birth to Edward J. Etherington. Edward was born about 1887 in Lurgashall.
Henry and Annie had two children: Lilian H born in the 3rd quarter of 1913 in Dorking, and Robert C. born in the 1st quarter of 1916 in Brentford, Middlesex. Robert died shortly after his birth in the 1st quarter of 1916.
Henry Parker enlisted in Petworth, Sussex and became part of the 2nd/4th Battalion the Royal Sussex Regiment. His regimental number was 4432 and he was a Private. Later, he was transferred into the 12th Battalion, the Royal Sussex Regiment. He remained a Private and his new registration number was G/16307.
Henry Parker was killed in an action on 9th October 1916 in France.
© CWGC.org.uk
He is buried at the Auchonvillers Military Cemetery in France. His grave reference number is: II.J.3. The headstone bears the inscription: “Peace Perfect Peace, With Loved Ones Far Away”.
Annie Hilda Parker received £2, 7s, 9d on 14th April 1917 and £3 on 16th September 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
Henry Parker was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
His parents lived in Byworth near Petworth, Dorset and his wife at 2 Riverside, Pixham, Dorking.
| Born | Shoreham, Sussex | |
| Son of | George and Matilda Parker of Byworth, near Petworth | |
| Husband of | Annie Hilda Parker of 2, Riverside, Pixham, Dorking | |
| Regiment | 12th Battalion. Royal Sussex Regiment | |
| Number | 16307 | |
| Date of Death | 8th October 1916 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 24 | |
| Cemetery | Auchonvillers Military Cemetery, France |
