Cecil Noble facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cecil Reginald Noble
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| Born | 4 June 1891 Bournemouth, Hampshire, England |
| Died | 13 March 1915 (aged 23) Neuve Chapelle, France |
| Buried |
Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery, France
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914−1915 † |
| Rank | Lance Corporal |
| Unit | Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Lance Corporal Cecil Reginald Noble (born June 4, 1891 – died March 13, 1915) was a very brave British soldier. He was given the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for courage in battle. This special medal is given to soldiers from Britain and other Commonwealth countries. Cecil Noble received his VC for his actions during World War I, where he sadly lost his life. He is remembered as a hero for his bravery.
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A Brave Soldier: Cecil Reginald Noble
Cecil Reginald Noble was born in Bournemouth, England, on June 4, 1891. His father, Frederick Noble, worked as a decorator. Cecil went to St Clement's Elementary School and later followed his father into the decorating business. His friends and family called him Tommy, as he preferred that name over Cecil.
Joining the Army
In 1910, when he was 19 years old, Cecil Noble joined the British Army. He became a soldier in the Rifle Brigade. When World War I began in 1914, he was sent to the Western Front in France. He was an Acting Corporal in the 2nd Battalion of The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own).
A Heroic Act
On March 12, 1915, during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in France, Cecil Noble showed incredible bravery. His battalion was trying to advance, but they were stopped by thick wire and heavy machine-gun fire. It was very dangerous.
Corporal Noble and another soldier named Harry Daniels bravely decided to go forward. They rushed out in front of their unit to cut the wires. This was a very risky task, as they were directly in the line of enemy fire. Both men were wounded while cutting the wires. Sadly, Corporal Noble later died from his injuries. Harry Daniels survived and also received the Victoria Cross for his courage that day. He later became a high-ranking officer.
The Victoria Cross
For his amazing bravery, Cecil Noble was given the Victoria Cross. This award was announced on April 29, 1915, after his death. An award given after someone has died is called a posthumous award. The Victoria Cross is a symbol of the greatest courage a soldier can show.
Cecil Noble was buried in France at the Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery. His grave is a place where people can visit and remember his sacrifice.
Remembering a Hero
Cecil Noble is remembered in his hometown of Bournemouth. A special Blue Plaque was put up on Capstone Road on October 2, 1995. This plaque honors his bravery and tells people about his story. The plaque lists his rank as Corporal, which was used in the official award announcement.
He is also remembered alongside another local hero, Frederick Charles Riggs, who lived on the same street. Both Noble and Riggs have special paving slabs near Bournemouth's War Memorial. There are even streets named after them in the Wallisdown area of Bournemouth, ensuring their bravery is never forgotten.
