In Lebucquiere Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of 214033 Gunner Simpson Turnbull Parkin serving with the 144th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery who died 09/09/1918. 

Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-

Simpson Turnbull Parkin Jnr was one of 10 children all of whom survived to adulthood. 

His father Simpson Turnbull Parkin was born in 1860 in the mining village of Cassop, his mother Hannah Parks, December12th 1860 at Gilesgate, Durham City both in County Durham. Hannah was the daughter of shoe maker John Park and Isabella Dixon.

Hannah had a child out of wedlock, Ralph Crozier C. Park, who was born, January 12th 1879 in Durham City. In 1881 Hannah, who was employed as a book folder, and her son were living with her widowed father and brother James, a baker, at 192, Gilesgate, Durham City. Hannah and Simpson Turnbull Parkin were married at St. Giles Church, Durham, August 26th 1882.

Their daughter Isabella was born at Bearpark, May 3rd 1884, Robert at Durham in 1886, baptised at St. Oswald’s Durham, August 4th, John Thomas at Croxdale, January 31st 1889, twins Mary Ann and Margaret at Bearpark in 1891, baptised December 16th, whilst they were living at 1, Bouch Street. Employed as a coal miner he not only supported his wife and children, but also Ralph who had taken the surname of Parkin. His father in law John Park was also living with them, listed as a stone maker, neither an employer or employed.

By 1901 Simpson Snr had been joined at the colliery by Ralph (22), both were employed as hewers, Robert (14) also worked below ground as a pony driver. His wife had given birth to a further 4 children, Simpson Turnbull Jnr in 1894, baptised March 14th, Roger 1896, baptised December 27th, Ada 1899 and Hannah, October 19th 1900 at Bearpark.

Robert Parkin married Ethel McBride in 1907. Born in 1888 she died aged 22 years either giving birth to their son or of post party complications during the 2nd quarter (Apr/May/Jun) 1910 leaving him with two very young children to care for. His daughter Sarah Parkin born at Witton Gilbert, February 3rd 1908 after her mother’s demise was adopted by coal hewer Thomas `Dawson and his wife Emily. In 1911 they were living in 2 rooms at 181, Staffordshire Street, Sacriston County Durham. When Ethel was married in 1937 to John McCarthy she used the surname Parkin.

Robert Parkin in 1911 had returned to live with his parents and siblings together with his son, John Turnbull Parkin born in Witton Gilbert, April 14th 1910. The Parkin family consisting of Simpson Turnbull Snr, his wife. 7 of their children and their grandson, occupied 3 rooms at 1, Bouch Street, Bearpark. All the male members of the family were employed at the colliery. Simpson Snr and Robert (24) were hewers, John Thomas (22) as a labourer, Simpson Jnr was a putter and Roger (14) a pony driver, the twins (19) Hannah (10) and John Thomas (11-months) remained at home. Isabella had married Thomas Seymour in 1905 and had a daughter. On the eve of the 1911 census Ada Parkin (12) is included in their declaration.

When Britain declared a state of war existed with Germany, August 4th 1914, men from all walks of life volunteered to serve their Country in answer to Kitchener’s call to arms and the order that all regiments raise new battalions. Simpson was living with his family at 8, North Street East, Easington Colliery where he was employed as a miner. Aged 21 years old he enlisted at West Hartlepool, December 10th 1915 and was assigned to the Army Reserve that same day.

Simpson was mobilised May 1st 1918 and posted to No.4 Depot Royal Garrison Artillery at Newcastle upon Tyne, Reception Depot Northumberland Fusiliers. From there he proceeded, May 10th 1918, to the 3rd Siege Artillery Reserve Brigade at Prees Heath which after the declaration of war saw the erection of wooden huts to accommodate the 25,000 men who were billeted there in training for the Western Front.

Having been trained by the Royal Garrison Artillery, Gunner 214033 Parkin was posted to the British Expeditionary Force, July 27th 1918, and departed to France, disembarking that same day he was posted to the 144th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery joining them in the field, August 8th 1918.

Gunner 214033 Simpson Turnbull Parkin is reported to have died on the battlefield of wounds received in the field, September 9th 1918 then taken for burial to the village of Lebucquiere, Pas de Calais, which had been recaptured from the Germans, September 3rd. He was laid to rest in Lebucquiere Communal Cemetery Extension grave II. E. 24. The cemetery was used by the fighting units until September 17th 1918. He was 24 years of age and single.

The news of Simpson’s demise came as another blow to his grieving family still mourning the loss of his brother Private Roger Parkin who had died of wounds in 1916. Their brother Robert Parkin served with the Northumberland Fusiliers.

His mother Hannah Parkin as sole legatee received all monies due to her late son from the Army, his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal, also a pension sent to her at Front Street, Witton Gilbert, County Durham, which also included an amount allocated for the loss of her son Private Roger Parkin.

Simpson’s personal effects consisting of; photos, pocket wallet, postcards, metal cigarette case, metal mirror case, safety razor set in leather case, were received at the aforementioned address, June 8th 1919.

Hannah Parkin nee Park, resident of Front Street, Witton Gilbert, died April 29th 1933, her son Ralph Park, December 8th 1935, resident at 9, John Street, Easington Colliery. Widower Simpson Turnbull Parkin died in 1938 registered at Durham Central including Witton Gilbert.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

Simpson Turnbull Parkin is remembered at Witton Gilbert on W123.01, W123.02, W123.06 and W123.10.