Noel Williams, G Social 1902. Lt, 1st/5th Bn, South Lancashire Regt (Intelligence Corps). Killed in action in an unknown engagement

He won the Old Radleian French Prize at school, then went to Trinity College, Cambridge. He won a Boxing Blue at university.  He then taught in Germany.

Radley Library has a copy of Noel Dyson Williams: his life and letters by his mother, Rosalind Dobbs, published in 1920.  His letters reveal he was in the Intelligence Corps. He is buried at Tournai Cemetery.

‘Then we heard that the other officer was certainly in a German camp and more than probable that he also had been captured, and so for three weeks I lived in hope.  But late one evening, just after the Armistice had been signed, came a terrible letter from the CO telling me how they found Noel’s body, together with those of three or four of his men, on the ground which had just been evacuated by the Germans. And so I knew at last that my worst fears were true, and that never more on earth should I see my dear one’s face or hear his gentle, cheery voice, nor ever again find joy and rest in his true and faithful love.’ Rosalind Dobbs

Aged 29

AND

Geoffrey Smith, MC, C Social 1911. Captain, 1st Bn, Coldstream Guards. Wounded and captured at Haussy on 16th October, presumed to have died of wounds as a Prisoner of War about 22nd October

Citation for the Military Cross. For conspicuous gallantry and fine leadership in an attack through an impenetrable fog. On reaching the objective the company commander was killed. He at once took charge and reorganized the company, which at the time was being heavily bombarded.Later, he captured the final objective, and although his right flank was in the air, he so disposed his command as to give very good security.

Aged 21