Christ College Remembers … Private Thomas Parry

REMEMBRANCE DISPATCH No. 58 COMMEMORATES PRIVATE THOMAS PARRY (SCHOOL HOUSE 1909-1913) WHO DIED ON 4^th MARCH 1919.

Private Thomas Parry

4^th March 1919

School House 1909-1913

Aged 22

Thomas Parry and his brother, Charles Frederick Parry, entered School House together in 1909. Their grandfather, W H Parry, had been Second Master at Christ College (1861-1876) before becoming Principal of the Training College in Carmarthen. Their father was a medical practitioner in Carmarthen. The brothers left school in 1913.

Thomas was a popular pupil, with a “charming disposition” and “liked by all who knew him”. Though permanently lame, was a successful golfer while at school. He was also a promising student: he was awarded the Form IV Prize and a Science Prize in Prize Day of 1912; he also gained his Lower Certificate in Latin, Mathematics, Chemistry, Arithmetic, Mechanics and Physics in 1912, and passed his London Matriculation examinations in 1913.

Both Charles and Thomas followed their father into a medical career. Charles successfully completed his studies at London University. Thomas enrolled at Cardiff University College.

Thomas enlisted on 28th September 1914. He was passed fit for Home service and joined the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was attached to the 3rd Western General Hospital in Neath, a military hospital where he served for two and a half years before being discharged on account of his ill-health. He died of tuberculosis on 4th March 1919.

Private Thomas Parry is buried in Carmarthen Cemetery. He is not included on the Christ College War Memorial but, as Private T. Parry 373158 of the Royal Army Medical Corps, he is on the records of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. He is now also included on the Roll of Honour read on Remembrance Sunday at Christ College.