Tom Cecil Noel
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant Tom Cecil Noel, (12 December 1897 - 22 August 1918), Military Cross
with Bar, was a World War I infantry officer turned aerial observer
, notable for winning a Military Cross
for bravery on both land and air.
In conjunction with his pilots, he was credited with 24 victories over enemy aircraft, consisting of 12 destroyed, 1 captured, 9 and 2 shared 'out of control'.
From Rutland, Noel was attending Eton College
before the war broke out. He was commissioned in the 3rd King's Own Scottish Borderers before joining the RFC. He then joined Number 20 Squadron
Royal Flying Corps
flying Bristol F.2B two-seat fighters.
After single victories with Capt. N.V. Harrison and Lt. R.G. Bennett, the next 22 of his 24 victories was as observer/gunner with Captain Dennis Latimer
.
On 22 August 1918, Noel was flying with Latimer when they were shot down by Leutnant Willi Nebgen of Jagdstaffel 7. Noel was killed and Latimer was captured.
Noel is buried at Zillebeke
, Belgium.
, Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Previous to laying a forming-up tape for his battalion he reconnoitred the ground under exceptionally difficult circumstances, under heavy hostile fire. Later, he successfully and accurately laid the tape, and throughout the action of the following day led his men with the utmost ability and contempt of danger, setting a splendid example to all.
Supplement to the London Gazette
, 9 January 1918 (30466/632)
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In four days he and his pilot destroyed seven enemy machines and drove down three out of control. His courage and skill are of the first order, and of inestimable value to his squadron.
(M.C. gazetted 26 September 1917.)
Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 September 1918 (30901/10899)
Military Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
with Bar, was a World War I infantry officer turned aerial observer
Air observer
An air observer is a British term for a military aircrew member whose duties are predominantly reconnaissance. The term originates in the First World War in the Royal Flying Corps, and was maintained by its successor, the Royal Air Force...
, notable for winning a Military Cross
Military Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
for bravery on both land and air.
In conjunction with his pilots, he was credited with 24 victories over enemy aircraft, consisting of 12 destroyed, 1 captured, 9 and 2 shared 'out of control'.
From Rutland, Noel was attending Eton College
Eton College
Eton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....
before the war broke out. He was commissioned in the 3rd King's Own Scottish Borderers before joining the RFC. He then joined Number 20 Squadron
No. 20 Squadron RAF
No. 20 Squadron of the Royal Air Force was until March 2010, the OCU for the BAE Harrier GR9, and T12, operating from RAF Wittering...
Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
flying Bristol F.2B two-seat fighters.
After single victories with Capt. N.V. Harrison and Lt. R.G. Bennett, the next 22 of his 24 victories was as observer/gunner with Captain Dennis Latimer
Dennis Latimer
Captain Dennis Latimer was a World War I flying ace notable for achieving 28 aerial victories, all against enemy fighter planes.Dennis Latimer was born in Withington, Ireland to James D. and Ida L...
.
On 22 August 1918, Noel was flying with Latimer when they were shot down by Leutnant Willi Nebgen of Jagdstaffel 7. Noel was killed and Latimer was captured.
Noel is buried at Zillebeke
Zillebeke
Zillebeke is a village in the Flemish province of West-Vlaanderen in Belgium. The former municipality is now part of Ypres.-History:On March 3, 1914 the then municipality was granted the arms are those of the last Lords of Zillebeke, the Canton family, Viscounts of Winnezeele, which had in 1740...
, Belgium.
Military Cross (MC)
Lt Tom Cecil Noel, K.O.S.B.King's Own Scottish Borderers
The King's Own Scottish Borderers was an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Scottish Division.-History:It was raised on 18 March 1689 by the Earl of Leven to defend Edinburgh against the Jacobite forces of James II. It is said that 800 men were recruited within the space of two hours...
, Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Previous to laying a forming-up tape for his battalion he reconnoitred the ground under exceptionally difficult circumstances, under heavy hostile fire. Later, he successfully and accurately laid the tape, and throughout the action of the following day led his men with the utmost ability and contempt of danger, setting a splendid example to all.
Supplement to the London Gazette
London Gazette
The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the United Kingdom, in which certain statutory notices are required to be published...
, 9 January 1918 (30466/632)
Military Cross (MC) Bar
Lt Tom Cecil Noel, M.C. K.O.S.B., Spec. Res., attd. R.A.F.For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In four days he and his pilot destroyed seven enemy machines and drove down three out of control. His courage and skill are of the first order, and of inestimable value to his squadron.
(M.C. gazetted 26 September 1917.)
Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 September 1918 (30901/10899)