William Noel Hodgson

William Noel Hodgson MC (1893–1916) was an English poet and World War I officer. He served in the Devonshire Regiment and was killed at the Battle of the Somme. During his lifetime, he published stories and poems under the pen name Edward Melbourne. He is best remembered for his poem 'Before Action,' written two days before his death, which reflects on mortality and duty during wartime.