Prescot Roll of Honour

Service Details

Brother of Fred and George Parkin who were also killed in the war, and John Parkin who survived

See also the pages for Albert Edward Buckley and Peter Dilworth for other family links

At the outbreak of the First World War Tanzania was the core of German East Africa, with Dar es Salaam as the capital. On 8 August 1914, the first recorded British action of the war took place here, when HMS Astraea shelled the German wireless station and boarded and disabled two merchant ships - the "Konig" and the "Feldmarschall".

In 1915, the 25th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, sailed on board the s.s. 'Neuralia', arriving in Mombasa on 6th May. From then onwards, Allied forces fought a protracted and difficult campaign against a relatively small but highly skilled German force under the command of General von Lettow-Vorbeck.

In that unhealthy climate, troops suffered badly from malaria and in January 1916 reinforcements started to arrive.

Joseph Parkin had enlisted at Prescot. After training, he went overseas with the 25th Battalion. Having been based at Northhill Camp, Dover, they sailed from Plymouth on the 25th July 1917 aboard the "Corinthic" and arrived at Durban (via. Sierra Leone) on 29th August 1917. They proceeded to Congella Camp where they stayed until 11th September 1917 when the draft left Durban aboard the steamer "Princess" and arrived Lindi on the 18th (as per Battalion War Diary).

The battalion war diary states:-

' 18/9/17

New draft of 2 Officers and 196 other ranks arrived from Durban and disembarked at Lindi. They were very badly equipped and no quinine was issued during the voyage.

19/9/17
Draft fully equipped'

The action in which Private Parkin was killed, at Nyangao, was the last one in which the 25th took part as a unit. Their War Diary finishes at the end of September so doesn't cover this action but the following detail was taken from a letter written by their C.O.

"ACTION AT NYANGAO, 17th (sic.) OCTOBER 1917

An attack was being delivered by several Battalions against the enemy holding a lone line. No impression could be made. The Fusiliers, now sadly reduced after long service, consisting of about 40 rifles, with Lewis and Machine Guns, total strength about 106, were sent forward. They got into the enemy positions but were not supported; it would appear that the others retired. The Fusiliers isolated, held their own and fought with their usual courage for several hours being attacked in front and flank. After sustaining some 70 casualties, they were relieved by the Nigerians.

All the officers, including Capt. Ryan (killed) who was in command, were either killed or wounded, Capt. Lloyd being shot through the head. After this engagement the Fusiliers were sent home. Every man present in this engagement must have fought like a hero. Unfortunately, I was sent back by the Doctors some days before.

(Sd) D.P. Driscoll, Lt. Col."

Joseph Parkin's body was recovered after the action and he now rests in Dar-es-Salaam War cemetery.

The Parish Magazine of 25th March 1918 added 6 names to the existing 100 who had already fallen, including 'Pte. Joseph Parkin, 23, Royal Fusiliers. Killed in Action in East Africa, 18th October 1917. 22 Scotch Barn Lane, he leaves a widow'.

Joseph Parkin's Medal Index Card. He was entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal.