NOBLE ALAN 6 July 2001

DATE SERVED: 1961 - 1996

Born 31 August 1946 – Crossed the Bar 6 July 2001

By Paul Hitchcock

It is with regret that I report the sad loss of a very good friend, colleague and Association member.  Alan Noble (Nobby) passed away in July 2001 after a very short illness, spending the last few days of his colourful life in the Rowans Hospice Waterlooville.

Alan’s Royal Navy career started at HMS GANGES in September 1961 and on completion of Boys training and UC basics course at HMS VERNON he joined his first ship HMS DUCHESS.  Soon after his first taste of General Service and a thirst for high wages, he was transferred to the Submarine Service, serving in HM Submarines TALENT, AURIGA and OBERON. His exploits during his time in submarines are well documented in the September 2000 issue of the Seamaster.   It is from this, his own article, that one can extract the flavour of his character.  A true submariner in the sense that he was quiet on the inside, but outside his personality projected a loud pleasure. Relatively small in stature he had a big heart, a wicked smile and a very charitable nature.

Alan left the submarine service in 1967 to complete his UC2 course in HMS VERNON after which he joined HMS KEPPEL a Type 14 ASW Frigate.  It was during this time whilst based at Rosyth that he met his wife Shona, who at the time was the ‘Landlords Daughter’ living at the Douglas Hotel in Dunfermline; they were married in 1969.  Alan saw further service in HM Ships FORTH, NUBIAN and ACTIVE punctuated by the usual ASW courses in both HMS VERNON and DRYAD to enable himself to be advanced.  He joined the Staff of Flag Officer Sea Training in 1982 and was promoted Warrant Officer the same year.  Before leaving the service in 1996 he served on various Staffs including FOF2 and CinC Fleet as well as spending some time at the School of Maritime Operations HMS DRYAD.  Alan served as Chairman of the ASWI’s Association in the late 70s and remained a solid supporter even up until the last month before his death.

On leaving the service in 1996 Alan and Shona embarked on a career in retailing and took over the South Coast Tackle Shop at Lee on the Solent.  Angling was one of Alan’s greatest loves and although running the shop curtailed his participation in the gentle art, he still found time to promote fishing and was founder of the Lee on Solent Royal British Legion Angling Club.  Ironically he won the first match on the day the club was inaugurated.  

Alan’s commitment to both angling and charity was recognised soon after his death by the holding of a charity match in his name with proceeds going to the Rowan Hospice.  A Trophy, the Alan Noble Trophy, was purchased and will be fished for by British Legion Members in an annual competition.   Again, in recognition of his popularity, a collection is currently taking place to raise money to purchase a seat in his honour to be sited on the sea front at Lee on the Solent.  

Alan was an unselfish charitable man.  He won many friends both through the Royal Navy, the Royal British Legion, and other charitable organisations. An example of his benevolence was to donate a fishing rod for raffle by the Association for charity purposes.

Alan leaves his widow Shona, four children, Kirstie, Vicky, Adrienne and David and 4 Grandchildren.   We have lovely and for most times humourous memories of Alan, a true professional who will be greatly missed.

Service History