Personal info
- Name: Hardy Falconer PARSONS
- D.O.B: 13th Jun, 1897
- D.O.A: 21st Aug, 1917
- D.O.D: 21st Aug, 1917
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Temporary Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment, attached 14th Battalion
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Épehy, France 20-21 August 1917
20-21 August 1917
The First World War 1917
On the night of 20-21 August 1917, the Germans attacked a British position near Épehy, between Cambrai and St Quentin.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery during a night attack by a strong party of the enemy on a bombing post held by his command. The bombers holding the block were forced back, but 2nd Lt. Parsons remained at his post, and single handed, and although severely scorched and burnt by liquid fire, he continued to hold up the enemy with bombs until severely wounded. This very gallant act of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty undoubtedly delayed the enemy long enough to allow the organisation of a bombing party, which succeeded in driving back the enemy before thay could enter any portion of the trenches. This gallant officer succumbed to his wounds.