One of eight children, Alice Staples was born in Littlehampton in 1892 to parents Thomas and Sarah. Growing up and going to school locally, the Museum holds a few books that were given to Alice as Christmas prizes between 1900-1905. In 1900 she won “1st prize” and was awarded “Holiday House” by Catherine Sinclair. Earlier in that same year, Alice received a Certificate of Merit from school for being “Never Absent, Never Late.”
New Acquisitions!
Recently, the Museum has been given some new acquisitions relating to Alice Staples and her family. One of the more precious items is a letter, dated 26.3.1916, from Alice's fiancé, William Herbert Waite, who was serving in the First World War. William was also born locally in Littlehampton, in 1894, to parents William and Mary. The letter has a metal star attached, from a millinery shop that was "shelled to blazes" - Millinery shops sold hats and other headwear. Unfortunately, he was killed in France 9 months after the letter was written, on 10.12.1916. William was aged 22 when he died and his life is commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, being buried in Sailly-Saillisel, France. The Sussex roll of honour (see button below) shows that he is listed in the Littlehampton War Memorial and served as a Private in the Guards Division.
My dear Ally, Only have a few minutes to go, but just wee bit before go up in line tonight. This is pretty warm spot alright. This little star is from a millinery shop shelled to blazes, quite a souvenir y'know ma cherie. Can't send much as not allowed out of billets as shelling is kind of habit around here with Fritz. Lots of bricks flying through the air. Its jolly cold at night yet. Hope twill soon turn milder now. Don't be surprised if I have to miss writing for few days, as kind of fancy 'tis somewhat rotten place are going to this trip. Well, hope things are not too bad with you and yours. Best of luck to all. Yours aff. bhoy, Bert.
Nellie Dora Engel (nee Staples) created a lot of tension within the Staples family, as she married a German man, Peter Engel, in 1913. This caused particular issues after Alice Staples lost both William Waite and a second fiancé to the war. During World War I, Peter Engel was interned at the Isle of Man; Internment Camps were places that held/imprisoned civilians from enemy nations (in this case Germany) who were deemed possible threats. However, once the war was over, Peter moved back to Littlehampton and settled. Below, Nellie and Peter are pictured on their wedding day, and to the right is an image of Peter within the Isle of Man Internment Camp.
Despite Peter's internment and possible controversy, Peter and Nellie were clearly well known once settling back into Littlehampton, as they were invited to a party at Arundel Castle for the 16th Duke of Norfolk, Bernard Marmaduke! Also donated is a clothing coupon book for "Nellie Dora Engel" and some other family documents, such as electricity receipts. Nellie and Peter had a son, also named Peter Engel, who served in the Second World War, receiving a certificate from the Home Guard for his service. We are very grateful to the donor for providing us with this new information, which has enlightened our understanding of a local Littlehampton family and their story.