Gumtree (F 11)

Name: Gumtree Free State

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http://auctions.citycoins.com/postal-medal-auction-no-57.pdf

– Military Medal (MM) Army (Geo. V) EF- 12.000 – 14.000
3198 Cpl. C.A. Noble 2/S. Afr. Inf.;
BWM; AVM (Bil.) Cpl. C.A. Noble M.M. 2nd S.A.I. Mounted on a pin.
MM LG 9.12.1916
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”. Buchan’s History of the South African Forces in Franc” provides some
perspective. An extract from page 85 states: “There was a bright moon occasionally obscured
by passing clouds, but the raiding party managed to reach the enemy’s side of the Brigade’s
wire without being observed. Allied artillery put down a barrage and under its cover the men
doubled across No Man’s land and jumped into the enemy’s trenches, the barrage lifting as
they arrived there. Prisoners were secured, dugouts were bombed, and at a prearranged
signal the raiders returned to their lines before the German barrage began. Their casualties
were only 2, though one was so seriously wounded that he could not be moved from the
German trenches.” Prior to the war Noble was a clerk with the SA Railways. He had joined in
SECTION II
61
1909 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). He remained seriously ill and died of
wounds on 10 November 1916 at No 9 General Hospital, Rouen, France. He was buried in the
St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen in Grave No 5350 on 12 November 1916. Sold with extensive
research including copies of battalion records, citation, service and medal records and 2
photographs of the cemetery and of his grave.
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