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William was the oldest son, born in Adelaide on the 5th April, 1914 to British-born William Thomas and Clara Parker. He had four siblings including three brothers, Jack, Max and Les and a sister, Laura.
The family lived in Plympton, not far from the horse training area and racing track at Morphettville, which was to be a major influence on Bill’s proposed future career. He attended Plympton Primary School, developing a not uncommon interest in Homing Pigeons and joined the local Plympton Club for this sport. Post school Bill was employed by T.J. Richards and Sons, a motor-body building industry in Keswick. However, his real ambition was to professionally ride horses. His physique ideally suited this and was reflected in his affectionate nickname ‘Skinny’. To achieve his ultimate goal, he was an apprentice jockey with licenced horse trainer, J. Bell and in this role, was involved in an investigation into the fatal poisoning of one of Bell’s hurdler gelding horses, Thermopylae. A vet was able to establish that the horse had been poisoned. The January ’32 Advertiser reported that Mr Bell had observed ‘Thermonylae always runs his races over hurdles from in front, and as she was tailed off all the way and was jumping badly in the hurdles on Port Cup day, I fully expected that the stewards would want to know the reason why, and enquire into his reversal of form, especially as Thermopylae had run a good race in the Jumpers' Flat on Christmas Handicap Day.’ He was unable to guess when the doing happened, adding that ‘He was all right when he left my stables for the course. The only time that I left Thermcroylae on the course was to see the jockey weighed out and in my absence the horse was under the care of my apprentice, W. Parker. The whole thing is a complete mystery to me.’ Not quite the mention Bill would have chosen. Other attacks had occurred, with the Chronicle reporting that ‘the horses attacked being prominent candidates for important events, as well as horses with minor engagements, and it was generally believed at the time that there was a gang of dopers and turf criminals active. The alleged attacks on Thermopylae and Rose Releum should serve as a warning to trainers to guard more carefully, the horses under their care.’
With the outbreak of WWII, aged 26, Bill enlisted on the 10th June 1940 in Adelaide and became SX4935. Soon after, Walter Mitchell SX7316 from Walkerville also enlisted on the 1st July, just days before his own 26th birthday. Their lives were to become inextricably linked with both being allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion.
Within 11 months of enlisting, Bill and Walter Mitchell both died of wounds sustained in Libya on the 2nd May, 41 in what came to be known as the Battle of Tobruk. This defining battle contributed to the legend of the 2/48th Battalion and the reputation of the Rats of Tobruk, as the soldiers came to be known. In his book, Tobruk to Tarakan, John Glenn explains; “At 3:50 on 1st May the men of the 2/48th stood-to to await the outcome of the battle which had raged all through the night. In thick mist, darkness and bitter cold they snatched a quick breakfast of bully beef and hard biscuits. The battalion had to be prepared to meet either a breakthrough the 2/24th Battalion or a thrust from the south. An anxious wait followed as the morning dragged on; then around nine o’clock the noise of battle increased, and the continuous drumming of the artillery was joined by the anti-tank guns and small arms fire from the direction of Forbes Mound, indicating a tank attack. Wave after wave of German dive bombers attacked the perimeter during the morning, and at midday they swept over our battalion area where their bombing was joined with a heavy concentration of enemy artillery fire. The men went quickly to cover. One shell made a direct hit on a dugout of D Company, killing two and wounding two others.’
An Advertiser report soon after described the conditions in Tobruk: ‘Dust storms are raging, enveloping the attackers and defenders in clouds of sand and reducing visibility to less than 10 yards. The Italian and German forces still hold a small sector in the western corner of the outer defences, but their tanks have not attempted a fresh attack since they were driven back on Saturday by heavy artillery fire. A Reuter correspondent with the advance forces in the Western Desert has reported that 3,000 prisoners have been taken by our troops at Tobruk. This report follows the earlier news that, during the five-day assault on the garrison, 50 enemy tanks were destroyed or put out of action. The report added that German losses in killed and wounded were heavy. Our artillery, which smashed the attacks from close range, at present hold the upper hand.’ This was a defining battle for the men of the 2/48th Battalion.
The Advertiser carried the news of Privates Walter Mitchell and William Parker in the same May issue. ‘Private Walter Mitchell 26. a member of a South Australian infantry unit who died of wounds abroad on May 2, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. I Mitchell, of Walkerville terrace, Gilberton. and left Australia last November. He lived in the Walkerville district practically all his life. He played for the Walkerville Football Club and was a member of the A.N.A. Lodge. At the time of his enlistment, he was employed by D. and J. Fowler. Ltd. Private William P. T. Parker 27, who died of wounds abroad on Mar 2 was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Parker, of Brinkworth street South Plympton. and left Australia In November 1940. He was born in Adelaide, attended the Plympton Public School, served an apprenticeship with Mr. J. Bell, horse trainer, of Morphettville and was employed by T. J. Richards & Sons. Limited, at the time of his enlistments He was a member of the Plympton Homing Pigeon Club.’
The Chronicle also carried a list of those killed in action; Pte. Clive. R. Buckingham, SX3031, 2/9th Semaphore (whose brother served with the 2/48th); Pte. Rex W. Neindorf, SX95, 2/10th Parilla. Died of Wounds.— Pte. Walter C. Mitchell, SX7316, 2/48th Gilberton 2nd May; Pte. W. J. T. Parker, SX4935, 2/48th, South Plympton; Pte. Colin G. H. Smith, SX7196, Medical, Prospect 2/8th .
Bill was buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery in Plot 3 Row Q Grave 10. Walter rests nearby. Bill’s headstone carries a distinctly Australian tribute ‘He Died a Dinkum Hero to Keep Australia Free, Everybody’s Friend.’
His 59 year old mother died in April, 47 and is buried in the Centennial Park Cemetery. The family, however, continued to remember Bill each year.
Advertiser Wednesday 14 May 1941, Died of Wounds abroad, Private William Thomas (Bill) Parker, eldest son of William and Clara Parker, brother of Jack, Max Laura, Leslie, brother-in-law. Gordon, and sister-in-law. Doris, of Plympton; age 27. PARKER.—On the 2nd of May, died of wounds abroad. Private Bill Parker nephew of Lily and Harry Portlock of 42 Gilbert Street, Goodwood. The family cord is broken.
Advertiser Saturday 2 May 1942, PARKER— When last I saw you, you looked so bright and well, But little did I think that day Would be our last farewell. —Inserted by Edie and Keith. PARKER. —In loving memory of Bull who died ot wounds at Tobruk May 2 1941. —Always remembered. Jack and Doris PARKER. —In loving memory of Pte. Bill Parker. SX4935 2nd/48th Bat, killed in action at Tobruk on May 2. 1941. A smiling face, a heart of gold, One of the best the world could hold: A beautiful life that came to an end. He died as he lived, everyone's friend. God took him home, it was His will Forget you. son? We never will. —Sadly missed by mum and dad. PAKKER.—In loving memory of our dear brother Pte. Parker. SX4935 2/48th Btn, killed at Tobruk on May 1. 1941. A silent thought brings many a tear Of a brother we miss and loved so dear: For we whom be left so truly know How much we lost a year ago. —Ever remembered by his brothers. Max and Les. and Syd. PARKER. - In memory of Bill died of wounds at Tobruk on May 2. 1941. —Remembered by aunty, uncle, and cousins. Meadows. PARKER. - In loving memory of our nephew and cousin. Bill died of wounds at Tobruk on May 2. 1941. His duty nobly done. —Remembered by aunty, uncle, and cousins. Goodwood. PARKER. —in loving memory of dear Bill, died of wounds at Tobruk. on May 2. 1941. Dear memories, fond and true. Will always remain, dear Bill of you. —Ever remembered by Dolly, Jack, and Ron Whiley. PARKER. —In loving memory of Billy, died of wounds at Tobruk on May 2. 1941. He toiled so hard for those he loved. Then left them to remember. —Remembered by Arnold and Hilda. PARKER. —In loving memory of our dear nephew Bill, passed away on May 2. 1941. Too far away your grave to see. But not too far to think of thee. His duty nobly done. Remembered, by Uncle Charlie, Edie. and family. PARKER – In loving memory of William (Skinny) 2/48th A tender chord of memory is sadly touched today. Inserted by Mrs Pomeroy, Norm, Chook, Bett. PARKER – Bill, in loving memory of our dear brother Pte Parker SX4935 2nd/48th Bat, killed at Tobruk May 2 1941. We often think of you, dear, To think that no one could say goodbye before you closed your eyes. You never failed to do your best, Your heart was true and tender, You worked so hard for those you loved, And left them to remember. Sadly missed by Laura and Gordon.
Advertiser May 1943, PARKER. —ln fond memory of Willie, died of wounds May 2 1941. His duty nobly done. —Remembered always by Hilda and Arnold PARKER. —Loving remembrance of Bill died of wounds. May 2, 1941. Without farewell he fell asleep. —Remembered by Phyllis and Archie. PARKER. —In memory of Bill, died at Tobruk. May 2. 1941. To be with us is our dearest wish today. —Remembered by Millie and Keith PARKER—Fond remembrance of Bill (Skinny), died of wounds May 2. 1941. A life, crowned with honor.—Auntie Lil, Uncle Harry, Les, Betty. PARKER. —Cherished memories of Bill died Tobruk, May 2, 1941. Just a token, true and tender, to show, dear Bill, we still remember—Dolly, Jack and Ron. PARKER. —Treasured memories of dear Bill died May 2, 1941. A smiling face, a heart of gold, the dearest brother the world could hold. —Always remembered by Laura and Gordon. PARKER. —In memory of BIll, died May 2. 1941. Believed a noble death, for one so bright and young; his soul now rests in God's care, but his memory still lingers on.—Loved by mum and dad. PARKER. —In memory-of Bill died May 2, 1941 A brother, a pal, a faithful friend, we cherish his memory right to the end. —Sadly missed by Max and Lea, PARKER—In loving memory of Bill, died Tobruk, May 2. 1941. Tears roll on, but memories linger. —Ever remembered Jack and Doris. PARKER. —In loving memory of Bill (Skinny) loving friends of Mrs. Pomeroy. Kama, Bonny and Chook. Sleeping where no shadows fall, peacefully he awaits us all.
Advertiser Tuesday 2 May 1944, PARKER. —In loving memory of Bill, killed Tobruk, May 2, 1941.—Ever remembered Mill and Keith. PARKER, —In loving memory of dear Bill killed Tobruk. May 2, 1941. Time drifts on but memories stay. —Doll, Jack, Ron Whiley. PARKER. —In loving memory of Bill, killed Tobruk, May 2, 1941. His manly form rests in a foreign grave, but his name lives forever with Australia's brave. —Ever remembered by Auntie Lil, Uncle Barry, Les and Bet. PARKER, W. J. (Bill—ln loving memory of our nephew, killed in action May 2.—Auntie Lil, uncle Ern, cousins Ted (A.I.F.). Harry. PARKER, W. J.—In memory of cousin Billy, killed in action. May 2,—Lily, Ruby. PARKER. —In loving memory of Bill, died. Tobruk, May 2, 1941. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. Ever remembered. —Mr. and Mrs. Phillpotts and family. PARKER—In loving memory of Bill, died of wounds at Tobruk, May 2, 1941. In the sweet by-and-bye we will meet you, our dear son; one or God's best boys. —Ever remembered by mum and dad. PAKKER —In loving memory of Bill died, Tobruk, May 2, 1941. We who loved you miss you as it dawns another year. —Inserted by loving brother Jack, and Doris and family. PARKER. —In loving memory of Bill ("Skinny"). killed in action. May 2, Tobruk. —Ever remembered by Mrs. Pomeroy, Narna, Chook and Bonnie. PARKER. —In loving memory of Bill, died at Tobruk, May 2, 1941. Gone from us his smiling face, his loving, kindly heart. He was the best of brothers; why had we to part? —Ever remembered Laura and Gordon. PARKER. —In loving memory of Bill, died Tobruk, May 2, 1941. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept of a brother we loved and will never forget. —Ever remembered by Les and Max (A.I.F., N.G.).
Advertiser Wednesday 2 May 1945, PARKER. —In loving memory of our dear son Bill, 2/48th, killed at Tobruk, May 2, 1941. At night the silent stars look down on a grave so far away, where rests the one we cannot forget and always loved so well. —Remembered always, mum and dad. PARKER. —In loving memory of our brother Bill, 2/48th, died at Tobruk, May 2, 1941. In memory you are with us yet. —Doris and Jack. PARKER. —In loving memory of our dear brother Bill. 2/48th. who died at Tobruk. May 2. 1941. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. —Dearly loved by Laura and Gordon A.I.F. PARKER—In loving memory of our dear brother Bill. 2/48th died at Tobruk May 2. 1941. To all who knew and loved him His memory will never grow old. —Sadly mi—cd. Max (A.1.F.1 and Les. PARKER A tribute or honor to Bill. killed at Tobruk. May 2. 1941. To all who knew and loved him his memory will never grow old. —Doll. Jack. Ron Whiley PARKER. W. J. (Bill) 2/48th Batt. killed in action May 2 1941.—Always remembered by auntie, uncle and cousins at Meadows. PARKER. —In fondest memory of Bill (Skinny), who paid the supreme sacrifice May 2. 1941. Lest we forget. —Inserted by auntie Lil, uncle Harry and family. Goodwood.
Advertiser Thursday 2 May 1946, PARKER, Bill.—Killed at Tobruk, May 2, 1941. We often think of you, dear Bill, and think of how you died; to think we could not say farewell before you closed your eyes. —Inserted by his loving mother and dad. PARKER. —Treasured memories of Bill, killed Tobruk, May 2, 1941.—Remembered always, Doll, Jack, Ron Whiley. PARKER, W. J. T. (Bill).—Killed at Tobruk, May 2, 1941. Things are changed in many ways, brother, but one thing changes never—the memories of those happy days which we all spent together. —Inserted by his loving brothers, Max and Les. PARKER, W. J. T.—Killed at Tobruk, May 2, 1941. —Always remembered by Jack and Doris. PARKER. —In loving memory of Bill, killed Tobruk, May 2, 1941. There is no death, only treasured memories. —Auntie Lil and family (Goodwood). PARKER (Bill). Died Tobruk, May 2, 1941. Not a day do we forget you, in our hearts you are always near; we, who loved you, sadly miss you as it dawns another year. —Loved always, Laura and Gordon. PARKER. —To the loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Willey, killed on May 2.—Ern Portlock and family.
Advertiser Friday 2 May 1947, PARKER. — In loving memory of my brother Bill, killed Tobruk. 1941. Years may dawn and fade away, loving memories will always stay. Loved always. Laura and Gordon. PARKER. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother Bill, killed at Tobruk. May 2. 1941. As you rest in peaceful sleep, your memory we will always keep. — Forever remembered by dad, Max and Les. PARKER. — Sweet memories of Bill died May 2. 1941. Silent thoughts bring many tears. — Auntie Lil and Les, Goodwood. PARKER. — Private W. J. T., killed at Tobruk. May 2. 1941. — Ever remembered by Doris and Jack. PARKER. — Loving memories of Bill killed Tobruk May 2 1941. No greater sacrifice. — Doll. Jack and Ron Whiley.
Advertiser Saturday 1 May 1948, PARKER. — In loving memory of Bill, killed in action, Tobruk, May 2, 1941. At God's command he fell. — Inserted by his loving dad. PARKER. —Memories of Bill, died of wounds, May 2, 1941. God's greatest gift: Remembrance. —Sadly missed by Hilda and children. PARKER. —In loving memory of Bill, who died at Tobruk May 2, 1942. —Ever remembered by Laura, Max, Les and Gordon. PARKER. —Fond memories of Bill (Skinny), who died at Tobruk, May 2, 1941. In silence we remember. — Auntie Lil and cousin Les, Goodwood. PARKER.—Fondest memories of Bill, killed Tobruk, May 2, 1941. No greater sacrifice. —Dolly, Jack, and Ron Whiley.
Advertiser Tuesday 3 May 1949, PARKER. —Sweetest thoughts of Bill (Skinny), who died at Tobruk, May 2, 1941. Memories, linger. —Aunty Lil and Len, Goodwood.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.