PARKER, Herbert Frank
| Service Number: | 1473 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 22 August 1914 |
| Last Rank: | Driver |
| Last Unit: | 2nd Field Artillery Brigade |
| Born: | Portland, Victoria, Australia, date not yet discovered |
| Home Town: | Portland, Glenelg, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Bushman |
| Memorials: | Portland Wesley Church of Portland Honour Roll |
World War 1 Service
| 22 Aug 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Driver, 1473, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade | |
|---|---|---|
| Date unknown: | Involvement Driver, 1473, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade , --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '3' embarkation_place: '' embarkation_ship: HMAT Marere embarkation_ship_number: A21 public_note: '' | |
| Date unknown: | Embarked Driver, 1473, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade , HMAT Marere |
Welcome Home
"A very large crowd gathered at the "Welcome" Corner on Wednesday night to welcome home Sergeant Herb Parker, son of Mr and Mrs W. Parker, a Portland Anzac who was the first Portland Anzac to enlist in the AIF. The usual gay display of bunting was in evidence, and, on his arrival by car from North Portland, Sergt. Parker was enthusiastically welcomed by the crowd. The Mayor. Cr Couch, extended a cordial welcome to this hero, who recently was awarded the additional honor of a bar to the Military Medal. Cr Leeson, on behalf of the R.S.S.J.L.A. also extended a welcome, Cr Smith replying on behalf of the Soldiers, cheers for whom were heartily given. "The National Anthem" was followed by cheers for King, Country, and The Boys. Valuable assistance in the welcome was rendered by the Citizens' Band."
Sourced from the "Portland Guardian" Friday 31st January 1919. (trove.nla.gov.au)
Submitted 4 June 2023 by Andreena Hockley
Portland Soldier Honoured
"Particulars have just come to hand of some of the deeds for which members of the Australian Imperial Force were recently decorated by the King. The list includes Gunner H. F. Parker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Parker, of West Portland, who received the Military Medal. Gnr. Parker was one of the first to enlist, and has seen continuous service."
Sourced from the "Portland Guardian" Thursday 29th November 1917. (trove.nla.gov.au)
Submitted 4 June 2023 by Andreena Hockley
Recommendation
No. 1473 Cpl. Herbert Frank Parker. M.M.
(Awarded M.M. - 1st Divl R.O. 170 24/8/1917) Evacuated wounded 9/7/18.
Near DORMAN COTTAGE East of STRAZEELE (sheet 27 France) on night of 9th July, 1918.
This NCO was in charge of No. 3 gun.
During a raid by our Infantry the enemy put down a very heavy barrage, the line of which fell on to our Mortar Positions. Early during the operation Cpl Parker received a wound in the throat, a fragment of shell becoming embedded there. He, however, pluckily stuck to his task and was still firing when the Officer I/C of his Section visited the Gun and ordered him to the Dressing Station.
The splendid manner in which his men carried on their duties under very heavy shell-fire was undoubtedly stimulated by the magnificent example of courage and coolness of Cpl Parker who, though wounded, stuck to his post till his task was completed and his very gallant action is worthy of the highest commendation.
From: Appendix No. 2 - War Diary - July 1918, 1st Aust Divl Medium Trench Mortar Batteries.
Submitted 4 June 2023 by Andreena Hockley