Lieutenant George Parsons joined No.2 Commando on 16 July 1943 and was posted to 2 Troop. He was awarded the Military Cross during operations at Salerno, Italy. On 9 October 1944 Captain George Parsons MC commanding 3 Troop was killed in action during operations at Sarande, Albania. Son of William George Lanyon Parsons and Norah Gabrielle Parsons, of Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire.

" 9th Oct'44. Sarande - 3 troop moving round left flank come upon enemy positions suddenly. Heavy spandau and rifle grenade fire. Capt. Parsons MC is hit. Lt Coyle takes over but is hit in the leg. Moves forward again but is killed by grenade."

" Revd. Banting takes party from 3 Tp. to bury Capt. Parsons, Lieut. Coyle, Gnr. Clarke, and Pte. Lyons." The next sentence in the War Diary relates to the Padre, "After burial he moved fwd. to bury German dead in the same posn., but is blown up on a mine. Stretcher party finds he has died of wounds - carried back to Sarande by M.O. before nightfall." 

Gulf of Salerno 15 September 1943

"At Piegolette (Piegolelle) on 15 September 1943 this officer took part in the night raid, and the subsequent attack on the ridges in which he showed great spirit and offensive zeal. Next day when his troop leader was killed close beside him [more....], he continued the assault in which they were engaged until severely wounded. He was the fourth, and last officer in this troop, which had also lost its Sergeant Major. He showed great courage and endurance during the period 13 to 16th Sep. with a fine truculent and offensive spirit which he infused into his men, continuing in action until wounded in five places." 

Recommended by Lt. Col. J.M.T.F. Churchill, MC,