Francis Newton Parsons VC (23 March 1875 in Dover – 10 March 1900) was educated at Dover College, joined the Essex Regiment and served in the Second Boer War.

[3] Parsons was a 24 years old Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment, British Army, when he was awarded the VC during the Second Boer War.

with the citation published in the London Gazette of 20 November 1900:[4] THE Queen has been graciously pleased to award the decoration of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officer, whose claims have been submitted for Her Majesty's approval, for his conspicuous bravery during the engagement at Paardeberg, as stated against his name : — [...] Essex Regiment, Lieutenant Francis Newton Parsons (since deceased) On the morning of the 15 February 1900, at Paardeberg, on the south bank of the River Modder, Private Ferguson, 1st Battalion Essex Regiment, was wounded and fell in a place devoid of cover.

While trying to crawl under cover, he was again wounded, in the stomach, Lieutenant Parsons at once went to his assistance, dressed his wound under heavy fire, went down twice (still under heavy fire) to the bank of the river to get water for Private Ferguson, and subsequently carried him to a place of safety.

Lieutenant Parsons was killed on the 10 March, in the engagement at Driefontein, on which occasion he again displayed conspicuous gallantry.Parsons also received a posthumous Mention in Despatches on 8 February 1901.