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Parry, John

John (Johnnie) Parry was born at 19, Coleshill Terrace, Flint on 23rd November, 1890 and was baptised in St Mary’s Parish Church on 14th December, 1890. He was the eldest of six children to John Parry and Mary Hannah (Parry). He was a brother to Private William Parry who also died in the war and has his own page here.

John and Mary were both born in Flint and were married at St Bridget’s Parish Church, Chester on 2nd June, 1890. They lived at 19, Chapel Street and John Sr was at this time a stoker at the gas works.

Sometime later they moved to 29, Chapel Street and at the time of the 1911 census they had moved to 47, Mumforth Street. John Sr was now running his own business as a shopkeeper. Johnnie by this time was employed as an assistant butcher to Mr Jos Davies.

Johnnie was living at 46, Church Street when he enlisted in Flint in October, 1916. He was sent to France where he was killed in action at Valenciennes on 24th October, 1918 and buried in Auberchicourt British Cemetery, Nord, France (Plot II, Row E, Grave 17).

He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal and is remembered on two war memorials – Flint Town and St Mary’s Parish Church, Flint. He is also remembered on his parent’s headstone in Overleigh Cemetery, Chester (Grave R3738) and is commemorated on the North Wales Heroes’ Memorial Arch, Bangor.

His death was reported in the County Herald on 15th November, 1918.

We regret to record the sad news of the death in action, on 24th October, of Driver J Parry, brother of Miss Parry of Chester Street, Flint. As will be recalled by many, he was one who had a prosperous future in front of him, but when duty called he was one of our noble boys who answered the call bravely, and laid down his life for his country. He was well known and respected by all, and when the sad news came there was quite a gloom over the town. He had been with Mr Jos Davies, butcher, Flint, for seven years, and was there at the time of enlisting. He joined the army in 1916, and went to France in 1917. He was home on leave in January this year. Much sympathy is felt with his parents in their sad loss. The deceased’s commanding officer has written a letter to his mother, in which he says “I am grieved to tell you that your son, Driver Parry, was killed in action. He was hit by a shell and killed instantaneously. We have buried him in a cemetery at a little village, and have put a cross over his grave. If it is any comfort to you, I would like to send you the very real sympathy of his officers and comrades in this great loss. He was a good soldier, always keen, and uncomplaining in bad times; and your loss is shared by all of us. I only hope that peace, for which he died, will not be long in coming, and that you may feel his and your sacrifice has not been in vain.”

His father was awarded a total sum of £19 10s 2d from the Army which included a War Gratuity of £12 10s 0d.

Johnnie never married but was engaged to Sarah Ellen Barwise of Maesgwyn Farm, Flint. Sarah married Italian born widower Mr Andrea Pontremoli (1892-1962) in 1927 and lived at 35, Church Street. She died in 1965 aged 73.

Mary Hannah died at her home, 64, Brook Street, Chester, on 10th August, 1941. She was 76 and was buried in Overleigh Cemetery, Chester.

John Sr died on 21st February, 1948, aged 82, and was buried with his wife.

Obituary: Mr John Parry, of 5, King’s Avenue was a native of Flint and was for many years employed in the pump house at Castle Works, and during the 1914-18 war was engaged on munitions at Queensferry. Formerly he was a prominent member of St Catherine’s Welsh Church, Flint, being for many years’ peoples’ warden. In politics he was a Conservative, and he was a member of the Flint Conservative Club. His wife, who was in business in Brook Street, Chester, died seven years ago, and he leaves four daughters.

IN MEMORIUM

There is a link death cannot sever,
Love and remembrance live forever.

His sorrowing fiancée Sarah.
Maesgwyn Farm.
(County Herald 15th November, 1918)

In affectionate memory of my dear chum.

Never forgotten by his loving chum, J Shieff.
30, Crown Street, Aberdeen, Scotland.
(County Herald 24th October, 1919)

Deep in my heart you are fondly remembered,
Sweet, happy memories cling round your name,
A true heart which loved you in deepest affection,
Always will love you in death just the same.

Ever remembered by Sarah.
Maesgwyn Farm.
(County Herald 24th October, 1919)

“A life for his country,
A soul for his God.”

Ever remembered by Sarah.
Maes Gwyn Farm.
(County Herald 22nd October, 1920)

Times change many things,
But loving memory ever clings.

Fondly remembered by Sarah.- ‘Maes Gwyn.’
(County Herald 21st October, 1921)

In sad but loving birthday remembrance (23rd November)

Memories with sad recollections we cherish,
And thoughts of him we loved,
But his image is stamped where it never will perish,
Or pass from our memory in silence away.

Sadly missed by Father and Mother, and Sisters Phyllis, Jennie and Mair,
also Sister Amy (44 Watergate Street, Chester).
Kirklea, Mumforth Street, Flint.
(County Herald 25th November, 1921)


Learn more about the other soldiers on the Flint Memorial

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