William Francis Parkinson

Age 30        Single

Private 3006
5^th Bn., East Lancashire Regiment

Died of wounds on
Friday 3^rd September 1915

William was born in Sabden and lived with his parents, one brother and two sisters in Padiham Road.  Prior to the war he was employed as a Clothlooker at Messrs J Stuttard and Sons, Cobden Mill.  For many years William had run a clothier and draper business in the village. 

William enlisted in the army, and after a few months training he was sent out to Gallipoli.  

Mrs Herbert Cockshutt and Nancy Parkinson, William's sisters, both received a similar letter from the Dardanelles that had been written by a pal of William on his behalf.

“September 2^nd 1915 – I am sorry to say I have been wounded in the right arm, so I am unable to write at present.  I am being sent down to the Base Hospital and when I am there I will let you know.  There is nothing to worry about as it is not serious.”

Everyone was in shock, when just two days later an official telegram arrived stating that Pte Parkinson had died from wounds received in action, on the 3^rd September 1915. 

William's body was laid to rest at the Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Turkey.

In Sabden he has been remembered on both the School and Church Plaques.