Paving stone will honour VC hero
A PAVING stone will be laid in tribute to a soldier who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his outstanding bravery during the First World War - a century on.
The commemorative paving stone is set to be laid at Rishton War Memorial at 11am on Monday, August 21, in tribute to Hardy Falconer Parsons VC, a local hero of the First World War.
Hardy, of Rishton, was just 20, and a temporary second lieutenant in the 14th (Service) Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment, British Army, during the First World War.
On August 20-21, 1917, near Epehy, France, during a night attack by the enemy on his bombing post, the bombers holding the post were forced back – but Second Lieutenant Parsons remained at his post.
Single-handed and although severely burnt by liquid fire, he continued to hold up the enemy with bombs until severely wounded.
Second Lieutenant Parsons died of his wounds and was awarded 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.
Hardy was born in Rishton on June 13, 1897, the son of Reverend James Ash Parsons and Henrietta Parsons, of Leysian Mission, City Road, London.
He was buried at Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery, France.
Coun Ken Moss said: “Hardy was a Rishton lad, and to be awarded the Victoria Cross, as he was for his outstanding bravery and heroism during the First World War, at just 20 years old, should never be forgotten.
“It is right and fitting then that a paving stone memorial will be laid in Rishton, Hardy’s home town, as a lasting reminder of his immense courage and ultimate sacrifice.”
Coun Moss added: “A short service will take place at 11am on August 21, at Rishton War Memorial, to commemorate the laying of the stone and everyone is welcome to come along.”
The establishment of commemorative paving stones to honour Victoria Cross (VC) recipients in England from the Great War is part of the national First World War Centenary campaign, which will see commemorative paving stones laid at the birth places of Victoria Cross recipients of the war in towns right across the country from 2014 until 2018.