Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery

 

Villers-Faucon is a village about 12 kilometres north-east of Péronne. The Cemetery is situated north of the village on the road to Guyencourt-Saulcourt.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website describes how "Villers-Faucon was captured by the 5th Cavalry Division on 27 March 1917, lost on 22 March 1918, and retaken by the III Corps on 7 September 1918. The Commonwealth graves in the Communal Cemetery are those of soldiers who died in February-August 1917, or (in the case of two who are buried in Row B) in September 1918. They were made by the cavalry, the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division, and other fighting troops. The communal cemetery contains 227 First World War burials, five of them unidentified, and 91 German graves.

Row A, which contains mainly graves of officers, has two V.C.s.

In June 1917, whilst serving with dismounted parties in the trenches, Second Lieutenant John Spencer Dunville, of 1st (Royal) Dragoons, was decorated for leading a trench raid despite being severely wounded. He later died of his wounds.

Second Lieutenant Hardy Falconer Parsons, of the 14th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, was awarded his V.C. for defending a forward post during a German night attack in August 1917. The bombers holding the block were forced back, but Second Lieutenant Parsons remained at his post, and, single-handed, and although severely scorched and burnt by liquid fire, he continued to hold up the enemy with bombs until severely wounded. He also died as a result of his injuries.

 60273 PRIVATE / J. CLARK / CHESHIRE REGIMENT / 13TH JULY 1917. AGE 20

(Grave Ref. C. 17.)

James Clark - "son of James and Philippa Clark, of 131, Rock St., Oldham."

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Debt of Honour Register

SECOND LIEUTENANT / J.S. DUNVILLE V.C. / THE ROYAL DRAGOONS / 26TH JUNE 1917. AGE 21 / PEACE PERFECT PEACE

(Grave Ref. A. 21.)

John Spencer Dunville - "son of John and Violet Dunville, of Redburn, Holywood, Co. Down."

"An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 30215, dated 31st July, 1917, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery. When in charge of a party consisting of Scouts and Royal Engineers engaged in the demolition of the enemy's wire, this officer displayed great gallantry and disregard of all personal danger. In order to ensure the absolute success of the work entrusted to him, 2nd Lt. Dunville placed himself between the N.C.O. of the Royal Engineers and the enemy's fire, and thus protected, this N.C.O. was enabled to complete a work of great importance. 2nd Lt. Dunville, although severely wounded, continued to direct his men in the wire-cutting and general operations until the raid was successfully completed, thereby setting a magnificent example of courage, determination and devotion to duty, to all ranks under his command. This gallant officer has since succumbed to his wounds.""

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Debt of Honour Register

SECOND LIEUTENANT / HARDY F. PARSONS V.C. / GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT / 21ST AUGUST 1917. AGE 20 / SON OF REV. & MRS J. ASH PARSONS / TO LIVE WAS CHRIST / TO DIE, GAIN

(Grave Ref. A. 16.)

Hardy Falconer Parsons - "Son of the Rev. and Mrs. J. Ash Parsons, of Leysian Mission, City Rd., London. Educated at Kingswood School, Bath. Medical Student at Bristol University, preparing for Medical Missionary Work."

"An extract from "The London Gazette," dated 17th Oct., 1917, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery during a night attack by a strong party of the enemy on a bombing post held by his command. The bombers holding the block were forced back, but Second Lieutenant Parsons remained at his post, and, single-handed, and although severely scorched and burnt by liquid fire, he continued to hold up the enemy with bombs until severely wounded. This very gallant act of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty undoubtedly delayed the enemy long enough to allow of the organisation of a bombing party, which succeeded in driving back the enemy before they could enter any portion of the trenches. The gallant officer succumbed to his wounds.""

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Debt of Honour Register