Hardy Falconer Parsons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hardy Falconer Parsons
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| Born | 13 June 1897 Rishton, Lancashire |
| Died | 21 August 1917 (aged 20) near Epehy, France |
| Buried |
Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | The Gloucestershire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I † |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Hardy Falconer Parsons was a very brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage a soldier can get. This special medal is given for incredible bravery in the face of the enemy. He was born on June 13, 1897, and sadly died on August 21, 1917, during World War I.
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Early Life and Education
Hardy Falconer Parsons was born in Rishton, a town in Lancashire, England. His father was Reverend James Ash Parsons. Hardy went to school at King Edward VII School and Kingswood School.
He later became a medical student at the University of Bristol. He was preparing to become a medical missionary, helping people with their health in other countries.
Remembering His Bravery
People still remember Hardy Falconer Parsons today. On August 21, 2017, a special stone was placed in Rishton. This was 100 years after he died. It was put at the town's war memorial to honor him.
Also in 2017, a blue plaque was put on his old home in Bristol. This plaque reminds everyone that he was a student at Bristol University.
A Brave Act in War
Hardy Falconer Parsons was only 20 years old when he showed amazing bravery. He was a temporary second lieutenant in the 14th Battalion of The Gloucestershire Regiment. This happened during World War I.
On August 20 and 21, 1917, near Epehy, France, his army post was attacked at night. The enemy used a weapon called "liquid fire" (a flamethrower). The other soldiers in his group had to fall back.
But Second Lieutenant Parsons stayed at his post all alone. Even though he was badly burned by the liquid fire, he kept fighting. He used Mills bombs, which are a type of grenade, to stop the enemy. He continued to fight until he was severely wounded. Sadly, Second Lieutenant Parsons died from his wounds.
He was buried at Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery in France.
His Victoria Cross Medal
Hardy Falconer Parsons's Victoria Cross medal is very important. It is now displayed in the Officers' Mess at Bristol University Officer Training Corps. This building is even named the Falconer Parsons VC Mess in his honor. His Victoria Cross was also shown at the Imperial War Museum in Gloucester. His family donated it for display.
