More about Thomas Parker

Thomas has no known grave but is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial.

Thomas Parker   7684   Gordon Highlanders

DUNDEE SOLDIER KILLED IN THE TRENCHES.

LEAVES WIDOW AND TWO YOUNG CHILDREN.

Lance-Corporal Thomas Parker of the 2nd Gordon Highlanders, is the latest name to be added to Dundee’s Roll of Honour.

Becoming anxious over the non-arrival of letters from her husband, who since being called up had corresponded as regularly as the terrible fighting in the trenches would allow.

Mrs Parker communicated with the War Office. Yesterday she received official intimation that her husband had been killed in action on 29 October. The circumstances attending the death of this gallant Gordon are exceedingly touching.

Having served several years in the army, in the course of which he fought in South Africa, Parker was drafted to the reservists.  Returning to his native city, he resumed life as a civilian, and after securing employment as a batcher in Rashiewall Works he married.

Two children were born to him, and happy in his home life, he looked forward to peaceful days.  Then like a bolt out of the blue came the mobilisation orders calling him back to his regiment.  In his letters to his wife Parker said he was fighting in the trenches, but gave no details of the battles, contenting himself with loving inquires concerning the welfare of his wife and bairns.

Four weeks ago the letters ceased to arrive at his home at 16 Isla Street, and that prompted Mrs Parker to write to the War Office.  The news of her husband’s death was broken to Mrs Parker by a Salvation Army captain who had interested himself in the household.  The children are a boy and a girl, aged 2½ years and nine months respectively.  Some time ago Mrs Parker was photographed along with her children, and it is just possible that the photograph reached her husband before his death.

The war has brought much sadness to Mrs Parker.  She has just learned that her brother, Joe Ramsay, who is also in a Highland regiment, has lost his right arm.

Dundee Courier 1st December 1914