Noel Alexander Target was born on 23rd November 1895 at London, son of Felix Alexander Target MICE, Civil Engineer, Indian Public Works Department, of Donnington, Pinner, and his wife Nita, daughter of Harrison Chilton.

He was educated at Lord Williams’s Grammar School Thame 1906-1909 and Haileybury College, Hertford and played Rugby for Clifton Rugby Club in Bristol

His career was originally aimed at the Indian Police but on the outbreak of WW1 he joined the Army, being commissioned into the Durham Light Infantry on 22nd September 1914.

He served on the western front from August 1915, taking part in the Battle of the Somme in 1916.  On 24th June 1916 he won the Military Cross. The citation reads.  “For conspicuous gallantry. Lieuts Clark and Target led a successful raid on the enemy’s trenches.

At least twelve of the enemy were accounted for, and five deep occupied dug-outs were bombed. Owing to the skill and rapidity of action there were only three slight casualties in their party.”

He died on the Somme on 4th August 1916, whilst defending a trench.  His body was never identified and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial on the Somme, France. He is remembered in Thame on Lord William’s school memorial board and he is also remembered on Clifton Rugby Club Roll of Honour.