Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Ernest William Parkin was born 1895 in Chilton, County Durham, the son of James Parkin (Escomb 1869- Chilton 1941) and Phyllis Barker (Lanchester 1869), one of 9 children, 3 boys and 6 girls. Ernest’s father worked as a coal miner but he was employed as a clerk.
Ernest enlisted August 20th 1915 in Stockton on Tees as a driver in the 234th Field Company Royal Engineers attached to the 39th Division for the duration of the war. The 234th was in training initially near home but were then moved to the Winchester area and on to Aldershot from where they departed and embarked as part of the British Expeditionary Force, March 7th 1916. They were concentrated near Blaringhem and saw action June 30th 1916 at Richebourg L’Avoue, in July 1916 the Battles of the Somme. His record does not specify his whereabout however Ernest was wounded whilst on active service and taken by the 1/2nd Highland Field Ambulance for medical attention but unfortunately he died of his wounds July 5th 1917. His family received a letter which stated, “It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office notifying the death of;- Driver Ernest William Parkin”. October 16th 1917 his personal possessions were sent to his family at 70, Dene Bridge, Chilton, Ferryhill and consisted of; diary, wallet, prayer book, 2 note books, French book, 4 rings, shoulder ……& buttons, watch (broken), coins, photos & letters.
Driver Ernest William Parkin 104258 234th Field Company Royal Engineers is interred at Gwalia Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium, near Ypres, grave I A 9, he was 22 years old and unmarried.He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
In Gods safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Ernest William Parkin is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and C107.12
