Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of the late John Parr who died in 1899, and Elizabeth Ann Newbon (formerly Parr) of 72, Pinfold Gate, Loughborough, Leics. Alfred’s mother married Charles Newbon who adopted his three brothers Archie, Albert and John, however Alfred was not adopted and retained his late fathers surname of Parr. Alfred emigrated to Australia in 1913. The citation taken from the Third Supplement, No. 30879, to the London Gazette for 3rd September 1918 reads:- For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During our attack the services rendered by this NCO were most valuable; he kept his platoon well in hand, and afforded every information to his company officer as to the needs of the situation. He led an attack on and captured an enemy machine-gun that was causing casualties, and near the final objective, with a bombing party, he captured another machine-gun and two officers and fifty men. He showed great courage throughout and set a fine example to his men.” At the time of the action performed in the citation Alfred held the rank of Sergeant. The Citation was also promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, No. 15, dated 4th February 1919. His enlistment documents record that he gave his mother, Elizabeth Newbon of 72, Pinfold Gate, Loughborough, Leicestershire, England as his next of kin. He gave his trade or calling as Farmer and stated that he was unmarried. Information taken from his medical examination show that he was 5 foot 5 ¾ inches in height, weighed 146 pounds and had a chest measurement of 35 ¼ to 38 inches. His complexion was described as dark with brown eyes and brown hair. It was noted that he had a scar on the back of his right wrist, and 4 exceptionally large vaccination scars on his left arm. He gave his religion as Methodist. His record of service gives the following information. He embarked as a Private, Number 2059 with 7th Battalion 5th Reinforcements from Melbourne, Australia aboard H.M.A.T. A20 “Hororata” on the 17th April 1915. Embarked from Base Details Zeitoun, Egypt aboard “Seean Choon” with 5th Reinforcements from Alexandria, Egypt on the 8th June 1915. Joined 7th Battalion in Gallipoli 17th June 1915. Wounded in right knee and admitted to Hospital Ship “Gascon” 14th July 1915. Disembarked from Hospital Ship “Gascon” and admitted to Convalescent Hospital, Tigne, Malta 18th July 1915. Transferred to St. Andrews Military Hospital, Tigne, Malta on 3rd August 1915. Transferred to Riccisoli, St. Davids, Malta on 18th August 1915. Embarked for Egypt aboard “Southland” on 20th August 1915. Disembarked Alexandria, Egypt 25th August 1915. Embarked aboard “Karoo” for Dardanelles 30th August 1915. Rejoined Battalion in Gallipoli on 9th September 1915. Promoted Lance Corporal, Anzac on 4th December 1915. Disembarked H.M.T. “Empress of Britain” in Alexandria, Egypt on 7th January 1916. Transferred to 59th Battalion from Serapoun, Egypt and taken on the strength at Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt on 24th February 1916. Transferred to 14th Infantry Brigade Headquarters, Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt on 24th March 1916. Embarked overseas aboard H.M.T. “Georgian” on 18th June 1916. Disembarked Marseilles, France 27th June 1916. Transferred to and taken on the strength of 59th Infantry Brigade, France on 7th August 1916. Detached to 15th Brigade Grenade School of Instruction 18th August 1916. Rejoined 59th Battalion 25th August 1918. Detached to 5th Division Grenade School of Instruction 28th August 1916. Rejoined 5th Battalion and promoted Corporal (Vice 3866 Cpl O’Shea WS Wounded 19/7/16) 15th October 1916. Proceeded on leave 30th November 1916. Promoted Sergeant (Vice 1503 Sgt. G. Andrews Missing 19/7/16) 6th December 1916. Rejoined Battalion from leave 17th December 1916. Admitted with influenza 17th March 1917. Transferred and admitted to 14th Australian Field Ambulance with defective vision 22nd/23rd March 1917. Discharged to duty 25th March 1917. Proceeded to join 15th Training Battalion, England and placed on Supernumery List 30th June 1917. Joined 15th Training Battalion (Permanent Cadre) Hurdcott, Tidworth 3rd July 1917. On Command at P.T.B.E. Course, Hurdcott, Tidworth, 16th July 1917. On Command at B.F. Course, Aldershot, 3rd September 1917. On Command to 2nd Army Central Field School of Instruction 9th February 1918. Rejoined 59th Battalion 19th March 1918. To be Temporary Company Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer Class II) vice C.S.M. Stephens Killed in Action, 1st May 1918. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal 4th June 1918. Promoted 2nd Lieutenant in the field 18th September 1918. Wounded in action (2nd occasion) 1st October 1918. Now reported died of wounds received in action 1st October 1918. A letter from the Commanding Officer of the 59th Battalion records: Er. 2nd Lieutenant A. J. Parr, 59th Battalion “The above named Officer was reported wounded in action on the 29th September 1918 and was carried out of the line by stretcher bearers of this Battion. He was conveyed to a Regimental Aid Post on the 14th Brigade and died a few minutes after arrival there. No record of burial has yet been received by me, and I am therefore unable to give you any map reference of grave”.