Frederick Daniel Parslow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Daniel Parslow
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 14 January 1856 Islington, London |
| Died | 4 July 1915 (aged 59) North Atlantic, off Ireland |
| Buried |
Cobh Old Church Cemetery, County Cork
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Naval Reserve Merchant Navy |
| Rank |
|
| Commands held | HMHT Anglo-Californian |
| Battles/wars | World War I † |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Frederick Daniel Parslow (born January 14, 1856 – died July 4, 1915) was a very brave English sailor. He was a Master in the UK Merchant Navy. This means he was the captain of a cargo ship. He was given the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in the British military.
Parslow was the first person from the Merchant Navy to ever receive the Victoria Cross. He was also the oldest person (at 59 years old) to get this award for his actions during World War I.
Contents
A Hero of World War I
The Attack on the Anglo-Californian
On July 4, 1915, a German submarine called SM U-39 attacked a British cargo ship. This happened in the Atlantic Ocean, near Queenstown, Ireland. The ship, named HM Horse Transport Anglo-Californian, was carrying almost a thousand military horses. Captain Parslow was in charge of this ship.
He bravely kept changing the ship's direction to try and avoid the submarine's attacks. The U-boat signaled for them to leave the ship. Captain Parslow was about to follow the order. But then, his wireless operator received a message. A Royal Navy destroyer told them to hold on as long as possible.
Captain Parslow's Bravery
The Anglo-Californian started moving again. The German submarine then opened heavy fire. They aimed at the ship's bridge, causing a lot of damage. Captain Parslow stayed on the bridge the whole time. He had no protection from the gunfire. He was sadly killed when the bridge was destroyed.
Parslow's son, also named Frederick Parslow, was the ship's Chief Officer. He took command after his father's death. He kept fighting until two destroyers arrived. These destroyers chased the submarine away. The Anglo-Californian had 20 people injured or killed. But most of the military horses were saved.
Recognizing a Hero
At first, Captain Parslow was not eligible for the Victoria Cross. This was because he was a merchant officer, not a military one. However, the Royal Navy later made him a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve. In May 1919, he was given the Victoria Cross after his death.
His son, Frederick Parslow Jr., was also recognized for his bravery. He was made a Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve. He also received the Distinguished Service Cross.
A Lasting Memorial
Captain Parslow lived in Balls Pond Road, Islington, London. On July 4, 2015, a hundred years after his death, a special memorial was placed. The London Borough of Islington installed an inscribed paving stone. It is next to the Islington Green War Memorial. This stone honors Captain Parslow's brave actions and sacrifice.
