C.Q.S.M. Frank Parr, M.C., D.C.M., South Staffordshire Regiment
- jimgrundyrule303
- Jul 21, 2016
- 2 min read
On 21st July 1916 it was reported that C.Q.S.M. Frank Parr, D.C.M., [1] 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, had been awarded the M.C.
“WINS MILITARY CROSS.
“NOTTINGHAM SOLDIER'S FINE RECORD.
“Company Sergeant-Major Frank Parr, of the 1st South Staffords, who has been awarded the Military Cross for special gallantry [2], is a Nottingham soldier, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Parr, of 21, Castle-road. has been the front since the outbreak of the war, and although only 23 years of age his progress has been very rapid.
“This is the second occasion upon which C.S.M. Parr has been singled out for high honours, for he won the Distinguished Conduct Medal in October last. Mr. and Mrs. Parr have three other sons at the front.” [3]
He received his Military Cross from the King on 16th March 1918, as reported in the local press:
“Regimental Sergt.-Major Frank Parr, South Staffords, the son Mr. and Mrs. Parr, 21, Handley-street, Talbot-street, Nottingham, received his Military Cross from the King. He has previously won the D.C.M. Three of his brothers are in the army — Regimental Quartermaster Fred Parr, Scottish Rifles, Private Alex Parr, A.S.C., and Co. Sergt.-Major William Henry Parr, South Stafford. The latter has won the Military Medal.” [4]
Frank Parr survived the war and married Hilda Hufton at St. Andrew's Church, Nottingham, on Christmas Eve, 1918. [5]
[1] The citation for his Distinguished Conduct Medal was published in the 'London Gazette' on 11th March 1916:
“CQMS F. PARR, 1st Bn.
“For conspicuous gallantry, when he voluntarily carried rations across the open to the machine-gun section under heavy fire.”
[2] The official citation for his Military Cross was published in the 'London Gazette' on 27th July 1916:
“No. 8689 C.S.M. Frank Parr, 1st Bn., S. Staff. R.
“For conspicuous gallantry and good work. At a critical moment he took command of a party and secured a strong point under heavy fire. He displayed great coolness and bravery under difficult conditions.”
[3] 'Nottingham Evening Post', 21st July 1916.
[4] 'Nottingham Evening Post', 18th March 1918.
[5] 'Nottingham Evening Post', 24th December 1918.