In 1942, at the age of 13, Dick Parsons joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet. He served in battleships, cruisers and destroyers, had two sea commands and has travelled widely. He got married in 1951 and had two sons. He and his first wife divorced in 1980. His second wife indulged his love of the sea and he bought Katy Mac, a yacht.

Parsons wrote “New Zealand – A Personal Discovery” after holidaying in that country and “Turbans” to tell of the romance between an English girl in India and a Naval Lieutenant during the war with Japan.  His other interests include being church warden of St. Peter’s, Petersfield, singing in a local choir, riding his bicycle, gardening and driving for the Petersfield Voluntary Care Group. He is also the chairman of the local Resident’s Association and a keen member of the Twinning Association, Petersfield.