Pte 24609 David Nolan

• Age: 22
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Sunday 20th February 1916
• Commemorated at: Carnoy Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: O.17

David Nolan was born on 23rd March 1893 in Liverpool, he was the only son of James Nolan (died 1895) and his wife, Mary (nee Carter). He was baptised at St Philemon's Church, Toxteth on 05th July 1893, his father then living at at 27 Sussex Street, and was a boilermaker. 

James and Mary married in 1889 in Liverpool and in 1891 lived at 28 Penrith Street, Liverpool, when James was employed as a riveter and his wife as a tailoress. Their first child, Hannah, was born in 1891 and as mentioned earlier James died in 1895, just two years after their son was born.

In 1897, Mary Nolan, using her maiden name of Carter, married William John Line, a Plymouth-born ferryman, in Birkenhead. William and Mary were to have four more children - George Richard, b. 1898, who left to live in New York in October 1920; Elizabeth, born 1900; Florence Mary, born 1904; and Doris, born 1906.

In 1901, William and Mary, with William’s stepchildren, David and Hannah Nolan; and their own 2 children (George Richard and Elizabeth) live at 4 Gladstone Road, Seacombe. 

In 1911, all except Hannah live at 69 Hawthorne Grove, Seacombe, when William is a stageman employed by Wallasey Ferries, and David is a clerk with the Venezuelan Embassy in Liverpool. Hannah is a boarder with a widow, Emma Garner, at 22, Kelvin Road, Seacombe. 

David enlisted in early 1915 joining the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 24609.

On 03^rd December 1914 the 18th Battalion moved into the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 18th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915 earning his 3 medals. 

David was killed in action on 20^th February 1916, aged 22 years.

He now rests at Carnoy Military Cemetery, Grave O 17, France. The Inscription on his headstone reads:

"FOR NOW THEY DESIRE A BETTER COUNTRY THAT IS, AN HEAVENLY"

The cemetery was begun in August 1915, by the 2nd King's Own Scottish Borderers and the 2nd King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, when the village was immediately South of the British front line. It continued in use by troops holding this sector until July 1916, when Field Ambulances came up and a camp was established on the higher ground North of the village. It was closed in March 1917. From March to August 1918, it was in German hands, and German (and a few British) graves were made between the British graves and the entrance, and also in a German Cemetery alongside; but the German graves and the German Cemetery were removed in 1924.

There are now over 850, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, nearly 30 are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 17 soldiers and one airman from the United Kingdom, known or believed to be buried among them.

The cemetery covers an area of 4,441 square metres and is enclosed by a red brick wall.

David’s death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 28^th, 29^th Feb and 1^st March 1916:

Killed in Action – NOLAN – February 20 age 22 years, Private David Nolan 4^th Company 18^th Kings Liverpool Regiment (“The Pals”) eldest son of Mrs Line, 27 Albemarle Road, Seacombe. (Loved and respected by all).

The Wallasey News also featured David's death under a header concerning four Wallasey men who had recently be killed:

"Private David Nolan of the 18th King's Liverpool Regiment (the "Pals") was killed in action by an explosive bullet last week. He was twenty - two years old and lived with his mother at 27 Albemarle - road, Seacombe. He joined the forces in January of last year and went to the front in October. He was a cashier in the office of the Consul for Venezuela in Liverpool. He was well known in Wallasey football circles, and for two seasons captained the Seacombe Congreagational Club".   

In the Liverpool Echo dated 20th February 1917 his family paid tribute to David on the first anniversary of his death.

-  Roll of Honour –

NOLAN – In loving memory of my dear son Private D (Dave) Nolan 18^th KLR and stepson of W Line, late of Seacombe now of Bedford who was killed in action in France Feb 20 1916 (Loved by all. Duty nobly done) When alone in sorrow and bitter tears flow, there stealleth a dream of long ago, and unknown to the world, he stands by my side and whispers “Dear Mother death cannot divide” (Never forgotten by Mother, Dad, Sisters and Brother) 

NOLAN – In loving but sad memory of Private David Nolan (My Dave) KLR who was killed in action in France Feb 20 1916.  The happy hours we once enjoyed, how sweet the memories still, No morning dawns no night returns but what I think of him. (Sadly missed by his loving Fiance, Gertie) 202 Liscard Road, Liscard. 

NOLAN – In loving memory of our dear nephew Private D Nolan (18^th KLR) who was killed in action Feb 20 1916.  Can we think that it pleases the Masters heart to cause us a moment pain? Ah No! but He saw through the present cross the bliss of eternal gain.  Auint Hannah and Cissie 75 Demesne Street, Seacombe.  NOLAN – In memory of Private David Nolan (Dave) KLR killed in action 20 February 1916.  He marched away so bravely, his young head proudly held, his footsteps never faltered, his courage never failed.  he fought and died for Britain and the honour of his race.  Not forgotten by his pals Bill, Harry, Herbert, Mark, Tom and Alf.

Soldiers Effects and Pension to mother Mary Line.

David is commemorated in the Hall of Remembrance in Liverpool Town Hall at Panel 19.