Edward Parnell was a major in the Middlesex (Kensington) Rifle Corps. He reached the final stage of the King’s Prize at Bisley 12 times between 1901-24 but never won the gold medal. He began shooting in 1899 and over the next 30 years competed in most of the leading individual and team events in Britain and across Europe. Between 1903-29 Parnell captained the England team six times, and was twice the team adjutant, in 16 appearances in the National Trophy match. He also captained the team twice in 15 appearances in the McKinnon Cup match.
Parnell was a vice-chairman of the London and Middlesex Rifle Association and a former secretary and vice-president of the English Twenty Club. A Devonian by birth, he served the Devon Rifle Association and was involved in the coaching of their county teams.
Great Britain