Distinguished Conduct Medal GV (10196 SGT. T. PARKER.1/SEA HDRS.); India General Service Medal clasp North West Frontier 1908 (......PARKER. 1ST BN......); 1914 Star clasp 5TH AUG - 22 NOV 1914 (10196 PTE. T. PARKER. 1/SEA:HIGHRS.); British War Medal (...CL.2. T. PARKER. SEA. HIGH....); Victory Medal with M.I.D. Oakleaf (...96 W.O.LCL.2. T. PARKER. SEA. HIGH..); Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal GVR (....CL.2. T PARKER. D.C.M. THE CAMERONIANS.) - the obverse of all medals polished - the naming on most medals (as indicated) has also been rubbed/polished in places.
D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry in carrying messages under heavy fire, showing great bravery and resource in conveying them safely through to their destinations.’
Thomas Parker was born in 1885 and attested for the Seaforth Highlanders on 27 February 1907. He served with the 1st Battalion in India, and saw active service on the North West Frontier in 1908. He saw further service with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 October 1914, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, almost certainly for his gallantry at Aubers Ridge on 9 May 1915 - on this date every form of communication was broken and only runners could be relied on for conveying messages, but many were killed. Heavy machine gun fire devastated the allied advance, with the wire found to be uncut, and the Battalion suffered total casualties of 21 officers and 488 other ranks killed, wounded, and missing.
Subsequently transferring to the Scottish Rifles, Parker saw further service in the Persian Gulf from 25 November 1915 to 16 April 1916, and then in India for the rest of the War. Advanced Warrant Officer Class II and was appointed Company Sergeant Major, he subsequently served on the Permanent Staff as an Instructor with the 6th Battalion, Scottish Rifles. He was discharged on 28 February 1927, after 20 years and 2 days’ service.
Sold with the recipient’s original Certificate of Service Red Book; two original photographs of the recipient; and copied research.
