World War I Roll of Honour - The Clove Club Hackney Downs School

Parker, N., MC.
Sang in Boys Concert 1910.
University and Public Schools Battalion (84/15). (86/15).
2nd Lieut. Norman Parker, Devonshire Regt. attached Royal Berks. Regt., is the first Old Boy of the
School to win the Military Cross. The following is taken from the Military Cross awards in the
Honours List:-
“Temp. 2nd Lieut. Norman Parker. On the night of 24/25 April, 1917, during an attack on the
enemy’s trenches, after the Company Commander was killed, he took command, and held on to the
captured trenches until both his Lewis guns were destroyed and his company had run out of bombs.
Though counter-attacked continuously, he did not withdraw, until the enemy were bombing inwards
from both sides.
“He displayed great coolness and gallantry, and handled his men with great skill under very arduous
circumstances. This officer was wounded whilst advancing to the assault.
2nd Lieut. Parker joined the Public Schools’ Battalion of 19th Royal Fusiliers, and after
a few months’ training, proceeded to France, where he saw much fighting, until the spring of 1916.
He then returned to England to train for a commission, at Balliol College, Oxford.
After receiving his commission he went to Wareham, and was then sent to Salonica, where he still is.
We are glad to learn by latest reports that Lieut. Parker is making steady progress towards recovery. (91/17)”
Visited School (93/18).