In Memory Of

PARSONSON, LAURENCE WALTER

Service Details
Age:
30
Date of Birth:
1921-08-29
Service No:
P1/35870
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
2 Sqdn.
Regiment:
South African Air Force
Date of Death:
1952-01-06
Cause of Death:
Killed in action, North American F-51 Mustang #353. Lt L. W. Parsonson was briefed to lead "A" Flight on an interdiction mission against a railroad yard at YC4394. En route his No.4 reported that he had engine problems, so Lt Parsonson ordered him to return to base, escorted by the No.3 aircraft. He then requested permission for his two remaining aircraft to join another flight, led by Major Lyon, who were en route to the same target. This was granted. All six aircraft attacked their primary target with bombs, and proceeded to their secondary target north east of Kumsong. This they attacked with rockets and machine guns. Lt Parsonson, flying in the No.5 position, reported that he had been hit, and was instructed to fly south. However, before he could reach friendly lines he reported that his aircraft was on fire and shortly after that he crashed. The flight searched the area for his parachute or any sign of life without success.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
Panel 13
Cemetery:
UNITED NATIONS PUSAN MEMORIAL
Country:
South Korea
Additional Information
Son of Bertha Parsonson, of Seymour, Cape Province. Husband of Ambrosia Merle Parsonson, of Bloemfontein. ref. 85 years of SAAF