PARKES, Norman

Norman Parkes was the son of Thomas and Sarah Parkes of Worcester Street, Stourbridge, and attended Old Swinford Hospital from 1891 to 1896. He left to be indentured to E. Barnes, an iron moulder, at Jones and Attwood. He then emigrated to Canada and, when war came, volunteered for the Canadian Infantry. He joined the 44th Battalion (New Brunswick Regiment), arrived in England at Easter 1916 and moved to the Western Front in August. On the 9th May 1917 he was severely wounded and a leg was amputated at a Casualty Clearing Station. He was sent back to England to a V.A.D. at Eastbourne. His other leg was amputated and he died on the 27th July. His body was brought back to Stourbridge by his family. Private Norman Parkes was 35 years of age and was buried with military honours in Stourbridge Cemetery (O 701). It was an impressive service which was attended by a large number of people including his father and two brothers and 'his mates' from Jones and Attwood. He is commemorated on the Canadian National Memorial and on the Stourbridge, St. John's church, St. Thomas's church and Old Swinford Hospital Memorials.