Tom Cecil Noel

Who was Tom Cecil Noel?

Lieutenant Tom Cecil Noel, 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.