Saw, Noel Humphrey Wykeham
Capt. Noel Humphrey Wykeham Saw, M.C., R.A.M.C, att. Worcester Regiment, who was killed in action on the 9th October, 1917, aged 25, was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Saw, junior, of 11, Vanbrugh Park Road, Blackheath, and grandson of Mr. Samuel Saw, senior, of Glenluce Road.
He was educated at Strathedon House School and Cheltenham College (Newick House), and belonged to the College O.T.C. On leaving Cheltenham, he became a Medical Student at Guy's Hospital. Entered Guy's 1909 and qualified L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S., 1915. He joined the Artists' Rifles, o£ which he remained a member for four years, resigning early in 1911 to devote himself entirely to his last year of medical study. He played football for Guy's and Blackheath, and was a good runner in the mile and half-mile.
On the outbreak of war he applied to rejoin the Artists, but was advised to complete his medical course in October if possible. He became fully qualified as physician and surgeon in February, 1915, and at once joined the R.A.M.C. (Special Reserve), and in July was sent in charge of troops to Mudros. Becoming attached to the Worcestershire Regiment (29th Division) he went to the Gallipoli Peninsula and remained there until the end, taking part in both evacuations at Suvla Bay and Cape Helles. After some months in Egypt and at Suez the Battalion came to France, and Capt. Saw was present at the Battle of the Somme, where, in recognition of his gallantry during the first five days of July, he was awarded the Military Cross. He saw much service in France and Flanders, and met with his death on the battlefield whilst tending the wounded on the 9th of October, 1917. Guy's Hospital Reports Vol.LXX, War Memorial Number
Lieut-Colonel Linton wrote: "Your son had been with this battalion for so long, and was so popular with all ranks, that we all feel that we have lost a good friend," and Colonel Douglas: "He was such a gallant lad, and always put his work before everything else." A brother officer also wrote: "He was a brave man always, and a most conscientious and devoted worker."
From a letter sent by one of the officers, it appears that “very early in the battle a shell landed right in the door of the Aid Post and he was killed instantly. His long connection with the battalion, his sharing of all its vicissitudes and dangers, his even, cheery disposition, and above all his utter unselfishness, endeared him greatly to us all. His friendship and the memory of his life will long be a powerful inspiration to those who knew him. He was buried on the 11th October at the British Military Cemetery at the base. Guy’s Hospital Gazette 8th March, 1919
Biographical
| Surname(s) | Saw |
|---|---|
| First name(s) | Noel Humphrey Wykeham |
| Date of birth | 1892 |
| Place of birth | Woolwich Registration District |
| Family details | Son of Samuel and Mary Elizabeth Saw, of 11, Vanbrugh Park Rd, Blackheath, London |
| Previous education | Strathedon House School, Cheltenham College |
| College | Guy's Hospital |
| Dates at college | 1909-1915 |
| Dept / course | Conjoint Board Diploma |
| Qualifications | L.R.C.P. and M.R.C.S. 1915 |
| Military unit | Royal Army Medical Corps, Worcestershire Regiment attd. 4th Bn |
| War / conflict | World War One (1914-1918) |
| Decorations / medals | M.C. 1916 |
| Citation(s) | For gallant and distinguished service in the field during the Battle of the Somme 1 - 5 July 1916. |
| Date of death | 9 October 1917 |
| Age at death | 25 |
| Rank at death | Captain |
| Place of death | Between Passchendale and Poelcapelle in Flnders |
| Cause of death | Killed in action |
| Burial place | Dozinghem Military Cemetery |
| Commemoration(s) | Guy's Hospital Memorial |
| Notes | Home Address in 1909 was c/o Ethel Gertrude Handley White, 57 St. John's Park, Blackheath |
| Sources | Guy's Hospital Medical School Records, King's College London Archives; Commonwealth War Graves Commission; Soldiers Died in the Great War: De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918 |