E. A. “Artie” Parkes 3127

The Colac Methodist Church is now the home of Quinn Funerals.  However, it was one of only a small number of churches built in Victoria between the world wars.  The Foundation stone for the church hall was laid by Mr Frank Parkes who with his brother owned a local furniture store in partnership with his brother Charles.  Mr Frank Parkes has identified himself with the Methodist Church work for many years. For upwards of 20 years, he was Captain of the Colac Fire Brigade, and was awarded the Long Service Medal by the Country Fire Brigades’ Board. A former commissioner of the Colac Waterworks Trust and for over 30 years a member of the Colac District Hospital Committee of Management.”

Frank was married to a widow, Mrs Maud Rennie, who became Mrs Parkes.  Her son and Franks stepson is honoured here with one of our two honour boards from the Great War dedicated to his memory.

Edwin Arthur (Rennie) Parkes, known as Artie, was born on the 12th of March 1899 to his parents Edwin and Maud Rennie.  He enlisted on the 15^th of July in 1915 after giving his age as 18, although only being 16.  His regimental number was 3127.  7^th Batt. 10^th Reinforcement.  He embarked from Melbourne to serve on the 29^th of September 1915 aboard the HMAT RMS Osterley.

He served in Egypt and France being wounded in 1917 and recovering to fight again only to be killed in action in France on August 9^th 1918.  Artie was interred in the Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, France.  His full-service record is available at https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=233294

He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.