Francis Newton Parsons

Francis Newton Parsons VC (23 March 1875 in Dover – 10 March 1900) was educated at Dover College, joined the Essex Regiment and served in the Second Boer War. He was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Military career Parsons was a chorister educated at King's College School, Cambridge, from where he proceeded to Dover College, and then to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. On graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Essex Regiment on 28 February 1896. He was promoted to lieutenant on 1 March 1898.

Parsons was a 24 years old Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment, British Army, when he was awarded the VC during the Second Boer War. He was recommended for the award by Lieutenant-General Kelly-Kenny, C.B. with the citation published in the London Gazette of 20 November 1900:

Parsons also received a posthumous Mention in Despatches on 8 February 1901.

Medal His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Essex Regiment Museum, Chelmsford, Essex, England.