PARKES, Edward

Edward Parkes lived at 3 King Street, Netherton, and volunteered for the Worcester Territorials. He joined the 1/7th Battalion who went to the Western Front in March 1915 and occupied the Somme trenches which were quiet at that time. The Worcesters fought on the Somme from July 1916 with vigour and success but suffered many casualties. In the Spring of 1917 they were involved in following the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. After the remarkable storming of the 'Mound' at Templeux-Guerard early in April the Worcesters went on to attack Guillemont Farm, situated on a spur overlooking the Hindenburg Line. An attack on this important position was undertaken on the 24th April but German resistance was fierce and no territory was gained. The casualties included Private Edward Parkes who was killed in action on the 25th. He is commemorated on the Thiepval, Dudley and Netherton Memorials.