ERNEST EDWARD PARKER

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

 

Ernest in his Sapper’s uniform.

Photos courtesy of Barry.

 

Born: 1881, Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Died: 10th July 1918; age 37; died of Dysentery, at Baghdad.

Residence: 45, Coronation Road, Ipswich.

Occupation: Carpenter and Joiner.

Date of Entry Therein: 20th July 1915 – France.

 

Rank: Sapper; Service Number: 58643

Regiment: Royal Engineers, 72nd Field Coy.

 

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.

 

Grave Reference:

XI.G.4.

Baghdad ( North Gate) War Cemetery,

Iraq.

 

Brother to GERALD PITTS PARKER.

 

CENSUS

 

1891   33, Zippor Cottage, Pearce Road, Ipswich.

 

Ernest was 9 years old and living with his parents & brothers.

Robert Thomas Parker, 34, a Cabinet Maker – employer, born Hockham-cum-Wilton, Norfolk.

Dinah Elizabeth Parker (nee Pitts), 35, born Walpole, Norfolk.

Robert Thomas Parker, 8, born Woodbridge.

Frank Parker, 7, born Woodbridge.

Percy Parker, 6, born Ipswich.

Herbert James Parker, 4, born Ipswich.

Gerald Pitts Parker, 2 months, born Ipswich.

1 mother’s help.

 

1901   27, Pearce Road, Ipswich.

 

Ernest was 19 years old, a Tailor’s Apprentice. He was living with his widowed father & siblings.

Robert, 44, a Cabinet Maker.

Robert, 18, an Iron Moulder’s Apprentice.

Frank, 16, a Hairdresser’s Apprentice.

Percy, 15, a Plumber’s Apprentice.

Herbert, 14.

Gerald, 10.

Laura Eleanor Parker, 8, born Ipswich.

1 housekeeper.

 

1911   49, Bowness Street, Manchester, Lancashire.

 

Ernest was 29 years old, a Railway Clerk. He was married and head of the household.

Rose, 30.

Doris, 8.

Olive, 5.

Evelyn, 4.

Irene, 3.

 

Ernest’s mother, Dinah Elizabeth Parker, died in December 1900, St. Clement’s, Ipswich and was buried on the 7th December at Ipswich Old Cemetery.

 

On Christmas Day 1902, St. Margaret’s Church, Ipswich, 21 year old Ernest, a tailor, married 24 year old Rose Lily Palmer,  born New Year’s Day, 1878, Ipswich – daughter of James Palmer, a shoe and boot maker and repairer, and Comfort Palmer (nee Wood), of 35, Fitzroy Street, Ipswich.

 

Rose and Ernest had four daughters:

Doris Lilian Parker, born June 1903, Ipswich.

Olive Comfort Parker, born December 1905, Ipswich.

Evelyn Ethel Parker, born February 1907, Ipswich.

Florence Irene Parker, born June 1908, Higher Openshaw, Lancashire.

 

On the 30th June 1903, Doris was baptised at St. Margaret’s Church, Ipswich. Ernest recorded his occupation as a Tailor. The family were living at 35, Fitzroy Street, Ipswich.

On the 5th December 1905, Olive was baptised at St. Margaret’s Church, Ipswich. Ernest recorded his occupation as a Tailor. The family were living at 35, Fitzroy Street, Ipswich.

On the 15th July 1908, Evelyn and Florence were baptised at St. Clement’s Church, Higher Openshaw, Lancashire. Ernest recorded his occupation as a Railway Clerk. The family were living at 85, Kenyon Street, Abbey Hey.

 

Soldiers’ Effects to Rose Lily Parker – widow.

Rose Parker with her four beautiful daughters

(L to R) Doris, Olive, Evelyn and Florence.

A family note from grandson Barry:
From what my mum and aunts told me, he changed his job from being a railway clerk, probably coincidental with moving back to Ipswich after Manchester. I believe he became a joiner/furniture maker, more than likely working in his father’s business. That is, until the First World War took him away. Mum told me he was an incredible artist and loved making ‘arty’ things with his daughters.
After my grandfather was reported killed, my grandmother Rose, moved to the village of Framsden, just North of Ipswich, where she brought up her daughters. She never remarried.
My grandmother Rose Lily died during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Royal Engineers, 72nd Field Coy

 

 

One Comment

  • Ernest Edward Parker was my grandfather. Florence Irene, his youngest daughter, was my mother, who gave birth to me in December 1948. My name is Barry Charles Gillingwater.

    Reply

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