Language selection


Search veterans.gc.ca

Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Robert Parsons

In memory of:

Chief Radio Officer Robert Parsons

March 4, 1942
Offshore, Delaware

Military Service


Age:

26

Force:

Merchant Navy

Unit:

Canadian Merchant Navy

Division:

SS Gypsum Prince (Windsor, Nova Scotia) (147789)

Additional Information


Born:

May 2, 1915
Saint John, New Brunswick

His full name is Robert Joseph Parsons.

Son of Samuel Joseph Parsons and Mary Agnes Moore of Saint John, New Brunswick.

On 4 March 1942, the Gypsum Prince was en route from Digby, Nova Scotia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when at 6:46 am, 4 miles (6.5 km) off Lewes, Delaware, she collided with the tanker Voco due to the absence of lights caused by the possibility of German submarines. The Gypsum Prince sank about 10 minutes later in position 38°80'N/75°06'W. Six sailors, including the captain, lost their lives. The other 20 crew members were rescued by the US Coast Guard.

Commemorated on Page 208 of the Merchant Navy Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.

Digital Collection

Do you have photographs or personal memorabilia relating to Robert Parsons that you want included in our digital collection?

Send us your images

Learn more about the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

To learn more please visit our help page. If you have questions or comments regarding the information contained in this registry, email or call us. For inquiries regarding the names and information found in the RCMP Honour Roll, please email the RCMP.

Date modified: