PARKINSON F
PARKINSON, Frederick
Regiment: 12 Bn Cheshire Regiment
Rank: Private
Number: 15296
Died: 15 August 1916
Aged: 37
Buried/Memorial: Pieta Military Cemetery Malta
Address: 21 Pitt Street, Newtown
Cheshire Observer 2 September 1916
DEATH IN HOSPITAL
“Pte Fred Parkinson of the Cheshires has died in hospital. The deceased soldier, who was 26 years of age was a married man, and his widow and two children reside at 7 Castle Street Chester. With them in their bereavement much sympathy will be felt. Prior to enlisting in August 1914 Pte Parkinson was employed as a riveter at Abdula’s shipbuilding yard at Queensferry. He also had been a bandsman in the Salvation Army at Chester for about three years, and a service to his memory is to be held on Sunday evening.
On August 12th Mrs Parkinson received an official notification that her husband was lying ill in hospital. On the same date a letter was received from the sister of the hospital stating that the soldier had had a relapse and become much worse during the night, so that an operation was absolutely necessary. This was carried out during the morning and the patient got safely through but still was very ill indeed. He was having the best medical attention and that everything that could be done was being done.
On the 16th the sister again wrote, stating “I am very sorry indeed to have to tell you that, after all the care and attention we could give him, your husband died at 3:45 in the morning yesterday. He was very bright and cheerful to the last. On the day before he died he told the sister he had had the sign and when she asked what sign he said he would not be here the next day at the same time. He said God was very good. He sent his love for you and kisses for the children.” In conclusion the sister says “I am very sorry for you in your great trouble. I had hoped he would have pulled through, he was so brave and plucky.”
On Wednesday official intimation was received from the Records Office stating that 15296 Private Fred Parkinson Cheshire Regiment had died in a Mediterranean port. The cause of death was tuberculosis of the glands and appendicitis. A message also was received from the War minister expressing the true sympathy of the King and Queen.”
The 1911 Census shows Fred as a 32-year-old French Polisher living at 4 Ward’s Terrace with mother Mary, sister Margaret and two boarders.