Career
During the First World War, Napier served as a Captain in the 7th Battalion of the King"s Royal Rifle Corps, but had unsuccessfully sought exemption from military service in May 1917. His application was rejected by Selkirk County Tribunal, owing to Napier not fulfilling a previous condition to perform munition work. Francis Edward Basil Napier was the son of William John George Napier, 11th Lord Napier, 2nd Baron Ettrick and Grace Burns.
Clarice Jessie East. Hamilton, daughter of James Hamilton, 9th Lord Belhaven and Stenton, and they had:
William Francis Cyril James Hamilton Napier, who succeeded him as 13th Lord Napier
The Honorary
Neville Archibald John Watson Ettrick Napier, Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy.