William Henry Noel's Story.
Birkenhead News 14 April 1917THE LATE PTE. NOEL MARPLES.
To a wide circle of friends in West Kirby, the news that Pte. Noel Marples had been killed in action on March 15th, came as a great blow. To his mother, Mrs Marples, of Riversdale Road, deep and sincere sympathy is extended. The deceased was born and educated in West Kirby, being one of the many old Calday Grange Grammar School boys who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country. He had been recommended for a commission, and was in fact, at the time of his death on the verge of coming to England to go into training to fit him for such a position. He had been in the Honourable Artillery Company for 14 months, six of which had been spent in France.
No words can adequately express the grief caused by the untimely ending of these bright young lives. Noel Marples was but 19 years of age, and of a particular sunny disposition. In every sense he was a most lovable, open-hearted boy, full of innocent mirth, and a pronounced favourite in every circle in which he moved. When the King’s Liverpool Regt. was in training at West Kirby he was always a prominent figure at the entertainments provided for them in the Presbyterian Lecture Hall, and in their ranks he had many friends, who will grieve for his loss, no less than the people who watched him grow from a chubby little youngster into a fine athletic youth. He was a splendid all-round athlete, and in the Grammar School sports his name always figured largely in the prize lists. To his ability in this direction the many trophies he won on the sports field bear witness. As in sport, so in war, he “played the game,” and his name will ever be hallowed by happy memories.
The following letter has been received by Mrs. Marples from her late son’s Captain, under date March 30th last :-
“Dear Mrs. Marples – It is with great regret that I have to inform you of the death in action of your son, Pte. Marples, W.H.N., on the 15th inst. His platoon was ordered forward to reconnoitre the enemy’s position. They advanced in perfect order, in the face of a heavy machine gun and rifle fire. The Divisional General and our O.C. have both written expressing their admiration for the magnificent courage displayed by all ranks. Your son is buried with his fallen comrades on the ground they won. With deep sympathy, I remain, yours sincerely, T. C. Bower, Captain.”
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