DAVID NOLAN 

David's Story.

Chronicle News

Well-Known Borough Footballer

The sad news has been received by Mrs. Line, 27, Albemarle Road, Seacombe, of the death in France of her eldest son, Private David Nolan, 4th Company, 18th King's Liverpool Regiment ("The Pals"). He was shot in action on the afternoon of Sunday, February 20th, and died shortly afterwards. Twenty-two years of age, he was a Riverside School old boy, and prior to joining the colours he was on the staff of the Venezuelan Consulate, Liverpool. He was, along with several of his chums, drafted out to France some time ago. He was of a very cheerful disposition, and his letters home were always bright and hopeful.


The late Private Nolan was well known in local football circles as the captain of the Brough of Wallasey's West Cheshire team. He had previously captained Seacombe Congregational for two seasons. Alike on and off the football field he was a great favourite, and his tragic fatewill be greatly mourned by all who knew him.

Mr. A.W. Blanchard, the hon. secretary of the Wallasey Invinsa League, writes on behalf of the players of that organisation, amongst whom Private Nolan was extremely popular, to extend their deepest sympathy to his bereaved mother and stepfather in their hour of sorrow, coupled with the hope that they derive some comfort from the knowledge that he gave up his life for his King and country along with many other Wallaseyans.

Captain's Tribute

Writing to Mrs. Line on February 21st, Captain Kenneth B. Stoddart, the commanding officer of the deceased's company, stated -

"I am more grieved that I can say to have to write you the news of the death of your son, David Nolan, killed in action yesterday afternoon. He was hit in the heart by a German bullet, and was unconscious till he died shortly afterwards, so that I do not think he can have suffered.

"I want to tell you, and let all his friends know, what an intense admiration we in the 4th Company, both officers and men, had for David. Never was there a better soldier or a finer man, and he was extremely popular and loved by all. It makes my heart ache to think of such a promising career out short. But God has willed that he should die for his country, and I pray that David's relatives and friends may find comfort in this."


More information will appear here as soon as the research is complete.