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Military Interest - World War I Victoria Cross Recipient, Stapleford, Nottingham - an early 20th century gilt metal four glass mantel clock, 8.5cm ... enamel dial inscribed with Arabic numerals and decorated with a band of flowering swags, twin winding holes, fourteen-day movement striking on a gong, mercury compensation pendulum, the interior with brass plate inscribed Presented to Corporal W. R. Parker VC by the Portsmouth Division RMLI all ranks as a mark of appreciation of his gallant conduct at Gallipoli, the case crested by a flowering urn, shaped base with further swags, acanthus scroll feet, 42cm high, c.1918 On 23rd June 1917 The Nottingham Guardian recorded that Yesterday's London Gazette contains a list of decorations awarded to officers and men in various branches of the Senior Service. In recognition of the most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in the course of the Dardanelles operations, Lance Corporal Walter Richard Parker , Royal Marines Light Infantry, a Stapleford man is the recipient of the Victoria Cross. The announcement, for some unexplained reason is very belated, as the particular act of bravery for which the distinction is conferred was performed over two years ago and is officially described in the following terms: 'Lance Corporal Walter Richard Parker R.M.L.I No.Po/5 229, Royal Naval Division. In Recognition of his most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in the course of the Dardanelles operations. On the night of 30th April, 1st May 1915, a message asking for ammunition, water and medical stores was received from an isolated fire trench at Gaba Tepe. A party of non-commissioned officers and men were detailed to carry water and ammunition, and in response to a call for a volunteer from among the stretcher bearers Parker at once came forward. He had during the previous three days displayed conspicuous bravery and energy under fire whilst in charge of the battalion stretcher bearers. Several men had already been killed in a previous attempt to bring assistance to the men holding the fire trench. To reach this trench it was necessary to traverse an area at least four hundred yards wide which was completely exposed and swept by rifle fire. It was already daylight when the party emerged from shelter and at once one of the men was wounded. Parker organised a stretcher party and going on alone suceeded in reaching the fire trench, all the water and ammunition carriers being either killed or wounded. After his arrival he rendered assistance to the wounded in the trench, displaying extreme courage and remaining cool and collected in very trying circumstances. The trench had finally to be evacuated, and Parker helped to remove and attend the wounded, although he himself was seriously wounded during this operation' Read more