Henry Emerick Parkinson

Henry Emerick Parkinson

Rank: Private

Service Number: 266A

Units Served: 2nd Tunnelling Battalion, 164th Tunnelling Company, 21st Battalion & 2nd Pioneer Battalion

Personal Details: Henry Parkinson was born in Lilimur, Victoria. When he was young this family moved to 39A Ebden Street, Ballarat where he attended Nhill State School in Victoria. Henrys father died when he was at a young age, so him and his three brothers, whom also served in the A.I.F. were raised by their mother, Catherine Hamby. Before recruitment into the A.I.F., Henry’s occupation was labourer.

Enlistment Details: He enlisted for the army on the 18th January 1915 his medical examination showed:

  • Age: 25 year 2 months
  • Height: 5 feet 4¼ inches
  • Weight: 133 lbs
  • Chest Measurement: 32/34 inches
  • Complexion: Tan
  • Eye Colour: Blue
  • Hair Colour: Brown

 

Details about his role in War: When he left Australia in 1915 he left for Alexandria where he did his training for several months with the 21st Battalion of the A.I.F. He spent some time at Gallipoli from August 1915 until the Evacuation in December 1915. He was then transferred to the 2nd Pioneers Battalion in the Canal Zone in Egypt. On the 15th of July 1916 he was transferred again to the 2nd Tunnelling Battalion who were departing for France. Three months later he reverted back to the 2nd Pioneer battalion who had arrived in France on the 8th of October 1916. A week later he fell sick and spent a full week recovering before being dispatched to Belgium, where he rejoined the 2nd Pioneer Battalion. On the 18th of January 1917 he went A.W.L. for 7 days which resulted in 12 days forfeited pay and 7 days of field punishment No. 2. 9 Months later he was re-allocated to the 2nd Army Rest Camp in France. He rejoined the 2nd Pioneer Battalion a week later. On the 19th of January 1918 a week before his leave to England he was appointed Lance Corporal. He returned to France from leave two weeks of leave and requested that he would be reverted back to the rank of private which was accepted the same day. He detached with the 164th Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers on the 2nd of March 1918. In France on the 13th of June 1918, he was killed in action.

 Age at Death: 30 years old

Cemetery or Memorial Details: Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery (Plot VIII, Row B, Grave No. I)

Interesting Material: In his will his next of kin was his mother but, the army didn’t agree with his decision and wanted to give his medals and belongings to his father. They later found out his father was dead.