[2] Parker, one of eight children pre-war plans for a career in Sydney as a commercial art printer was set aside when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) at age 20.
His father had signed his enlistment on the condition he was not sent to New Guinea, as he feared the malaria[1] Parker who initially thought he was being sent to England arrived at the Battle of Gallipoli in November 1915 with the 20th Battalion, 4th Reinforcements.
The stamps honour living Australians "who have made lifetime contributions to the development of Australia's national identity and character".
[3] Parker did not live to fully enjoy this accolade, as he died at a nursing home in Melbourne the day after the stamp was officially issued.
[4] Parker's 45-cent Legend stamp displays the soldier's portrait as a young man, photographed just prior to his departure for Gallipoli.