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Abstract

A heroic merchant ship captain, posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for saving his vessel from an attacking German U-boat during World War I, is to be commemorated in Islington 100 years after his death.

Mercantile Marine Master Frederick Parslow was at the helm of the unarmed SS Anglo-Californian, carrying more than 900 horses, when a U-boat launched an attack in 1915. Parslow manoeuvred the ship back and forth through Atlantic waters to avoid the attacking submarine, but it came under heavy fire and eventually, he was killed. His son, also Frederick, who was the ship’s mate, took the helm until two destroyers rescued the surviving crew and cargo, including the horses.

After his death, Parslow, born in Canonbury, was awarded Britain’s highest military honour, the Victoria Cross. At 59, he was the oldest recipient of the medal during the First World War and one of only two civilians to receive the award during the conflict.

A paving stone will be unveiled in his honour at Islington Green on July 4 2015. Parslow is one of 627 men awarded Victoria Crosses during World War I who will have stones laid in their town of birth as part of the Great War 100th anniversary commemorations.

The 'London Gazette' paid tribute in 1919 (24 May edition) to the merchant mariner: “Throughout the attack Lieutenant Parslow remained on the bridge on which the enemy fire was concentrated, entirely without protection, and by his magnificent heroism succeeded, at the cost of his own life, in saving a valuable ship and cargo for the country. He set a splendid example to the officers and men of the Mercantile Marine.”

Islington Council armed forces champion, Councillor Gary Poole, said: “Even though 100 years have elapsed since Master Parslow’s incredible act of bravery it is fitting for us to pull out all the stops to remember him on this, the 100th anniversary of his death

“His was just one of countless brave deeds carried out by thousands of (young) men, many of which went unpraised. The paving stones are a way of cementing their memory for generations to come.”