Name
William John Parrott
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
08/06/1915
39
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Sapper
86431
Royal Engineers
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 (Mons) Star, British War and Victory Medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
BISHOP'S HATFIELD (ST. LUKE) CHURCHYARD
1. I. 18.
United Kingdom
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hatfield War Memorial, St Lukes Church Memorial, Bishops Hatfield (Old Hatfield)
Pre War
William was born in Hatfield c1886, the son of John and Jane Parrott.
In the 1881 census William was 5 and living in Union Lane Cottage, Hatfield, with his parents and siblings. The were still there in 1891 census and his siblings listed as: Elizabeth A (10), George H (8), Herbert (5), Rosa S (2), Fredrick A (6 months). His father working as a platelayers labourer (railways?) and William J as a farm labourer
By 1901 they were living at 6 Salisbury Square, Hatfield. To his siblings Charles is added (3). William was a horse driver and his father a roadman labourer with the County Council.
In the 1911 census, William now aged 35, living at Ellenbrook, Nr. St. Albans, Herts. and married to Fanny Maria, with two children, a boy and girl both under the age of 3. William was working as a horse driver at the Hatfield Golf Club.
Officially recorded as born in Hatfield and was living there when he enlisted in Hertford.
Wartime Service
Formerly 7731, Beds Regt. 173rd Tunn. Coy., R.E., became Sapper 86431, Corps of Royal Engineers.
Died of wounds.
The Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of July 1915, recorded: “Died of Wounds – William Parrott, “Deep sympathy is felt for Mrs. Parrott, the widow of Private Parrott, who died of his severe wounds on June 8th, in St Thomas’ Hospital; for some time hopes were entertained of his ultimate recovery, though amputation of his leg was deemed necessary to save his life, but he was too weak to undergo such an operation and gradually sank. Earnest condolences are offered to his wife, father, mother and all the family.”
The Herts. Advertiser, dated 26th June 1915, reported: “Military Funeral - Sapper William John Parrot, of the 173 Company of the Royal Engineers, whose home is in New Town, Hatfield, was so badly wounded during the repairing of the trenches on Hill 60 that after lingering on for some time in St Thomas’s Hospital, London, he died on June 6th. He leaves a widow and four children. He was buried with full military honours at Hatfield by the 1/11 Battalion London Regiment. The cortege moved off from Hatfield Station at 1.30 in the following order: - The Firing Party under Sergt. Carter, the Band and bugles, under Bugle Major Rose: and a large detachment under Sergt. Sayer. The Band rendered during the march to the church the “Dead March” in “Saul” and the hymn tune “Abide with me”. Then followed the coffin with eight pall-bearers, and mourners. Mrs Parrot (widow) was supported by Mr G Parrot (brother), deceased’s mother and father, Mr and Mrs Bert Parrot, Pte Charles Parrot of the 1st Herts. Regt., Mr Farmer, Mrs G Parrot, Mr and Mrs Tyler, Mrs Littlechild, Mrs Overington, and a few other close friends. The route from the station to the cemetery was lined with friends and members of the 1/10th London and 1/11th London Regiments. Upon reaching the church, Canon the Rev. Lord William Gascoyne-Cecil M A held a short service, assisted by the Rev. G F Baxter, M A. The procession was then re-formed for the last journey to the grave. The Rev. Lord William Cecil carried out the last rites, delivering a short address to the mourners, which was followed by three shots being fired over the grave by the firing party and the “Last Post” was sounded by the buglers of the 1/11th London Regt. There was a wreath in the form of a large glass globe through the efforts of Mrs Lawrence – Mrs W J Parrot and the family hope that all kind friends will accept their heartfelt thanks for the great kindness and sympathy shown to them during their bereavement.”
Awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1914 Star
Additional Information
Brother of Frederick Arthur and Herbert James Parrott, who also died in the War
Hatfield Parish Council Souvenir ledger: Mrs William Parrott, (Widow) of Halls Yard, Hatfield, received an “In Memoriam and Roll of Honour Album”.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
