Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Alfred John Staples, a farm labourer, born 1864 in Castle Donington, Leics., and his wife Mary Ann Staples (nee Bowley), born 1865 in Keyworth, Notts. George William was born in 1894 in Edwalton, Notts., his siblings were, Frederick John, born 1897 and Ethel May, born 1900, both his siblings were born in Keyworth, Notts., in March 1901 the family home was at 108, Kirkby Forest Cottage, Low Moor Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts. On Wednesday March 7th 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading.”LOCAL CASUALTIES” – Lance Corporal George W. Staples, Leicestershire Regiment, whose home was at Castle Donington, has died of wounds received in action. He volunteered for service soon after the outbreak of war, and for conspicuous services in the field had been awarded the Military Medal. He was at Castle Donington on leave only a few weeks ago. His father and only brother are in the army. The War Diary entry for the 18th February 1917 records. TRENCHES, HOHENZOLLERN SECTOR. A few trench mortars fell along NORTHAMPTON TRENCH and QUARRY ALLEY during the evening. On the whole the front has been fairly quiet.