Pte 16260 George Hillier Parr

• Age: 24
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• D.O.W Wednesday 22nd August 1917
• Commemorated at: Anfield Cem Liverpool
  Panel Ref: XI.CE.2278

George Hillier Parr was born on the 25th September 1892 and was the son of Thomas William Parr and his wife Margaret (née Bastard) who were married on the 02nd October 1889 at Holy Trinity Church, Walton. George was a 30 year old clerk of 15 St Davids Road, his father, John, was a merchant, whilst Margaret was aged 28, of the same address, her father, James, was a traveller. George was baptised on the 11th October 1893 at St John the Evangelist Church, Everton. The family address was 105 Queens Road and his fathers occupation was shown as a book-keeper.  

On the 1891 Census the family are living at 15 St Davids Road, Walton. Father Thomas William is aged 31, a book keeper born in Birkenhead, mother Margaret is aged 30, born in Stretford, with their 9 month old son Leslie William Parr. 

Margaret died, aged 34, in 1895.

On the 1901 Census the family have moved to 14 Priory Road, Anfield. Widowed father Thomas William is aged 39, a manager for confectioners, sons Leslie William 10, and George Hillier 8.

His father remarried to Martha Alice Webster at St Helens Parish Church in 1908.

On the 1911 Census they have move next door to 12 Priory Road, Anfield. His father, Thomas William, is aged 46, and a manager, with his wife Martha Alice (married 3 years) aged 26, born St Helens. They have two sons in the household; Leslie William is aged 20, a clerk, and George Hillier, a clerk, aged 18. They also have a servant Agnes Howard, aged 22. 

George lived at Redcot, Allport Road, Bromborough, working for Lever Brothers at Port Sunlight in the Soapworks Laboratory. 

He enlisted on the 18th September 1914 in Liverpool, giving his age as 22 years and 304 days and his occupation as a clerk. He was 5’6” tall, weighed 122lbs with a 34” chest, he had a sallow complexion with brown eyes and brown hair. He stated his religion as Church of England. His next of kin was his father Thomas W., of 12 Priory Road. 

His service record shows the following:

28-02-16: to F.A. with measles.

04-03-16: admitted to 5 CCS with haemoptysis(coughing up blood).

22-03-16: returned to duty.

10-06-16: attached to 30 Divn. D.A.Q.M.G. (Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General).

29-07-16: returned to Btn.

01-09-16: awarded good conduct badge.

He had been very badly wounded in France on 13th June 1917. He had 6 gunshot wounds of the back with injuries to spine and gunshot wounds to left elbow with a fracture. He also had cerebral meningitis and his legs were paralysed. He was unconscious from August 01st to his death. A diary of dates shows his failing health regarding removal of fragments in his back. A letter from Lever Brothers where he had worked, was sent enquiring about him as they had been unable to trace him since he had been wounded.

On 22/8/1917 a Telegram from the Administrator 2nd Birmingham War Hospital, stated that George had died at 1.50 in Birmingham and his friends had been informed. He was 24 years of age.

He was buried on the 27th August 1917 and he now rests at Anfield Cemetery in Liverpool where his headstone bears the epitaph:

"GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR OTHERS"  

His death was reported in the Daily Post and Echo on 27th August 1917

Died from Wounds - Parr – August 22 died of wounds, Private George H. Parr, K.L.R., youngest beloved son of Thomas Wm Parr, 12 Priory Road. Funeral today at Anfield at 1pm.

Parr – August 22 died of wounds received in action George Hillier Parr, K.L.R. Deeply mourned buy all at 14 Craigs Road Tuebrook. 

An In Memoriam notice was posted in the Liverpool Echo on Thursday 22nd August 1918, on the first anniversary of his death: 

In Memoriam - Parr – In loving memory of my dear son Private George H. Parr K.L.R. (Pals) who died of wounds Aug 22 1917. Deeply lamented by his Father and all at 12 Priory Road Anfield and also his brother (In Egypt).

Soldiers Effects, army pay of £9 9s 11d, war gratuity £11 to his father Thomas William, no pension record found.

His father died, aged 62, on the 18th May 1927.

Probate was granted in Liverpool :-

PARR Thomas William of Redcot, Allport Road, Bromborough Cheshire died 18 May 1927 Probate Liverpool 2 August to Martha Alice Par widow. Effects £2065 8s 6d.

George is commemorated at Liverpool Presbytery, Queens Road, Everton.

We currently have no further information on George Hellier Parr, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.