Son of R. A. and Mercy Eliza Noble, of Private Hotel, Tweespruit, Orange Free State. Prior to the war Noble was a clerk with the SA Railways. He had joined in SECTION II 611909 and was based at Gum Tree Station in the Orange Free State. He joined the (South African) Union Defence Force in 1913 (11th Dismounted Rifles), but he did not see service in South West Africa. Noble served in Egypt and was present at Delville Wood during the battle of the Somme. He was wounded on 26th October 1916 during the fighting for the Butte de Warlencourt (GSW, left wrist, chest and abdomen).
LG 9 September 1916 - The (handwritten) recommendation states: "In the raid which took place on the morning of the 14th September 1916, this NCO was the leader of a fighting section. He was the first of his section into the trench and the last to leave. He led them around all the traverses and showed skill and courage in commanding his section. The raid took place on trenches in Sector Carency 1"