Gervis Parker spent the first fifteen years of his life in Derbyshire, England. In 1910 he and his father, a carpenter, came to South Australia and settled in Stepney. Gervis worked as a junior in various factories before learning the baking trade, first at a Stepney bakehouse, then during 1913 at Hallett, and then at Dittmar's in Gawler Place. In November 1914 he enlisted on the spur of the moment, joining the 13th Australian Supply Column. He saw service off Gallipoli, in Egypt and France and returned to Australia at Christmas 1918. He couldn't settle and returned to England for a nine month visit at the end of 1919. Mr Parker stayed in the baking trade for another four years and, after marrying in 1921, built a house and shop at Knightsbridge. However illness prompted a change and he bought a truck and started a carrying business between the Port and Adelaide. G. H. Parker Pty Ltd became a successful family concern, now involving three generations.

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