GERALD PITTS PARKER

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

Born: 1891, Ipswich.

Died: 28th March 1918; age 27; KiA by a shell.

Residence: 101, Rosmead Street, Newbridge Road, Hull, East Yorkshire.

Occupation: Messrs. Reckitt & Sons, Ltd., Kingston Works – manufacturer of household products.

Enlistment Location: Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire.

Date of Entry Therein: 18th September 1915 – France.

Rank: Driver; Service Number: 474360

Regiment: Royal Engineers, 529th Field Coy (1/1st East Riding).

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.

Grave Reference:

1.N.4.

Bellacourt Military Cemetery,

Riviere,

Pas de Calais,

France.

Relatives Notified & Address: Youngest son of Robert T. & Dinah Parker, of Ipswich; husband of Miriam Parker, of 101, Rosmead Street, Newbridge Road, Hull.

Brother to ERNEST EDWARD PARKER.

CENSUS

1891   Zippor Cottage, Pearce Road, Ipswich.

Gerald was 2 months old and living with his parents & brothers.

Robert Thomas Parker, 34, a Cabinet Maker – employer.

Dinah Elizabeth Parker (nee Pitts), 35, born Walpole, Norfolk.

Ernest Edward Parker, 9, born Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Robert Thomas Parker, 8, born Woodbridge.

Frank Parker, 7, born Woodbridge.

Percy Parker, 6, born Ipswich.

Herbert James Parker, 4, born Ipswich.

1 mother’s help.

1901   27, Pearce Road, Ipswich.

Gerald was 10 years old and living with his widowed father & siblings.

Robert, 44, a Cabinet Maker.

Ernest, 19, a Tailor’s Apprentice.

Robert, 18, an Iron Moulder’s Apprentice.

Frank, 16, a Hairdresser’s Apprentice.

Percy, 15, a Plumber’s Apprentice.

Herbert, 14.

Laura Eleanor Parker, 8, born Ipswich.

1 housekeeper.

1911   9, Spital Street, Lincoln, Lincolnshire.

Gerald was 20 years old, a Labourer – Iron Foundry. He was a boarder at the home of 36 year old, Charles Broxholme, a Labourer – Iron Foundry.

Gerald’s mother, Dinah Elizabeth Parker, died in December 1900, St. Clement’s, Ipswich and was buried on the 7th December at Ipswich Old Cemetery.

In 1912, in Sculcoates, Yorkshire, East Riding, Gerald married Miriam Shaw, a Dyer and Ironer, born February 1886, in Norton Woodseats, Derbyshire – daughter of Joseph Shaw, a jobbing gardener and Sarah Anne Shaw, of Skellingthorpe, Lincolnshire.

Miriam and Gerald had one son:

Hebert Douglas Parker, born in January 1915, in Hull, East Yorkshire.

Gerald also became a father to Miriam’s son – Francis Shaw, born in March 1909, in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Francis later added Parker as his surname.

Soldiers’ Effects to Miriam Jarvis – widow.

Gerald is also remembered on the war memorial at Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire.

Royal Engineers, 529th Field