| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Victor Harbor, South Australia |
| School | Inman Valley Public School |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Address | Yankalilla, South Australia |
| Marital status | Married |
| Age at embarkation | 36 |
| Height | 6' 0" |
| Weight | 185 lbs |
| Next of kin | Wife, Mrs E A Parsons, Two Wells, South Australia |
| Previous military service | Served in South Africa (Boer War). |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Major |
| Unit name | 11th Light Horse Regiment, C Squadron |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 10/16/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A7 Medic on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 9th Light Horse Regiment |
| Promotions |
Major Unit: 11th Light Horse Promotion date: Temporary LTCOL Promotion date: |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Companion of the Distinguished Service Order Refers 15 October 1916 Recommendation date: Brevet Major Refers 19 April 1917 Recommendation date: Mention in Despatches Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', Supplement No. 30169 (6 July 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 174 (11 October 1917). |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Distinguished Service Order Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169 Date: Mentioned in Despatches Source: 'London Gazette', Supplement 30169 Date: |
| Discharge date | |
| Family/military connections | Brother: Major Harry Meshash PARSONS, 9th Light Horse Regiment, returned to Australia 10 July 1919 |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Palestine Commenced return to Australia from Suez on board HT 'Somali', 26 December 1918; appointment terminated (discharged), 25 April 1919. Medals: Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 78 |
| Place of burial | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, PARSONS John William |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
