William Napier

Major William Napier — A Professional Soldier

Early Life

William Napier was born in Swansea in 1893, the eldest son of John Cleland Napier and Jane Murray, both originally from Scotland, who had married in Glasgow in 1892.

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, the family was living at 9 The Walk, Cardiff. John, then 42, worked as a coal agent, while Jane, 38, cared for their three young sons: William (7), James (6), and Ian (4). The household also included a servant, Emily Davies, aged 22.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the Napiers had returned to Swansea, residing at 42 Sketty Road. John was employed as a colliery agent. William, then 17, was the only son at home, employed as a clerk. A younger daughter, Jane, born in 1902, was also present, along with the family’s servant, Daisy Barnes, aged 21.

First World War Service

At the outbreak of the First World War, William enlisted in the Highland Light Infantry, 17^th Battalion, landing in France in November 1915. He remained with the battalion until March 1917, when he was selected for officer training. After three months at an Officer Cadet Unit, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.

In August 1917, William was posted to the South Lancashire Regiment, 5^th Battalion, later transferring in March 1918 to the 2^nd Battalion. Serving in France that spring, he was wounded and captured at Bouffignereux during the German Spring Offensive. Initially reported missing in June 1918, he was eventually confirmed as a prisoner of war. He was repatriated to Britain in December 1918.

Following the Armistice, William, now a Lieutenant, served with the 4th (Reserve) Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment in Ireland until his demobilisation.

Interwar Service

In June 1920, William transferred to the Welsh Regiment, 6th Battalion, before moving in November that year to the Royal Field Artillery (RFA).

1921 Census

The 1921 Census records William at his father’s home, Grianaig, Gower Road, Sketty. John, now 62, was a colliery owner, while William, aged 27, was employed as a brick manufacturer. His younger sister Jean, 19, was at home, and the household also employed two servants, Elizabeth and Helena Rees.

In April 1923, William was attached to the RFA’s 12^th Brigade at Aldershot, and the following year undertook a gunnery course in Liverpool. Promoted to Captain (Provisional) in January 1925, he was posted to Deepcut, Surrey, before returning later that year to Swansea.

In October 1928, William married Margaret Nobel in Inverness. A year later he joined the Territorial Reserve of Officers, serving in Swansea. From 1930 until 1936, the couple lived at The Brae, Dunvant.

Second World War Service

At the outbreak of the Second World War, William was again serving with the Royal Field Artillery, then based at Bulford Camp, Wiltshire. In November 1939, he attended a gas warfare course at Winterbourne Gunner before being posted in September 1940 to the 125th Anti-Tank Regiment at Norwich.

His subsequent postings included Ilkley, Yorkshire (December 1940–April 1941), the Royal Artillery Depot, Woolwich (April 1941), and Stoke-on-Trent (May 1941). By August, he was attached to HQ Western Command, Chester, where he trained in the duties of a Military Registrar.

In 1942, William was stationed at the Emergency Hospital, Whitchurch, Cardiff, serving in an administrative and medical support role with the Royal Artillery.

Death and Burial

William Napier
St. Hilary Church, Killay
credit -findagrave

It was at Whitchurch Hospital that Major William Napier died on 1^st April 1943, aged 50. His body was returned to Swansea, where he was laid to rest with honour at St. Hilary’s Churchyard, Killay.

Legacy

Major Napier’s life was one of unbroken service. From his enlistment in 1915 through the mud of the Western Front, his commission and capture as a prisoner of war, his steady career in the interwar army, and his return to uniform at the outbreak of the Second World War, his path was that of a professional soldier.

Unlike the many young airmen buried at St. Hilary, William had devoted nearly three decades of his life to the British Army. His grave stands not only as a reminder of youthful sacrifice but also of the enduring commitment of men who gave their entire adult lives to the profession of arms. For his family, his death at 50 closed a chapter of service that spanned both world wars; for the parish of Killay, his name joins the roll of those whose lives embodied duty and devotion.