William Napper (Irish cricketer)
William Henry Napper MC was an Irish first-class cricketer and British Army officer.
Born at County Wexford, Napper received his education in England at Shrewsbury School, before returning to Ireland in 1903 to study at Trinity College, Dublin. While studying there, he played club cricket for Dublin University Cricket Club. Napper made his debut in first-class cricket for Ireland against the touring Gentlemen of Philadelphia at Dublin in 1908. He played a further first-class match for Ireland in 1908 against Yorkshire at Dublin, and made one appearance in 1909 against Scotland at Perth. Napper toured North America with the Gentlemen of Ireland on their 1909 tour, playing minor matches against Ottawa, Ontario, All New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia Colts. He played two first-class matches for the Gentlemen of Ireland against the Gentlemen of Philadelphia at Haverford and Philadelphia. He took seven wickets across his five first-class matches with his slow left-arm orthodox, at a bowling average of 31.85 and best innings figures of 4/72.
Napper did not return from the tour, instead settling in Canada. He returned to the United Kingdom to fight in World War I. He enlisted with the Royal Army Service Corps in October 1914, with the rank of Second Lieutenant. He was promoted to the rank of Temporary Captain in December 1914. By December 1916, he held the rank of Temporary Major. He was awarded the Military Cross for bravery during the war. Napper relinquished his commission in May 1920, presumably returning to Canada. During peacetime he worked as an engineer. He died at Ganges Harbour in British Columbia in August 1967.
