Noel was educated at Strathedon House School; at Cheltenham College (Newick House), where he was a member of the Officer Training Corps; and at Guy's Hospital. He joined the Artist’s Rifles in 1910, but resigned early in 1914 so he could dedicate more time to his medical studies. As soon as war was declared he tried to re-join the Artists Rifles but was advised to complete his medical course. He became a Physician and Surgeon early February 1915, and immediately joined up - obtaining a commission as Lieutenant in the R.A.M.C., Special Reserve, on 10th February 1915. Noel went Mudros, joining the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on the 19th July 1915. He returned to the UK in charge of troops, then returned to Mudros and was attached as Medical Officer to the Worcester Regiment. He served at Gallipoli, and took part in the evacuation of Sulva Bay in December 1915, before transferring to the Western Front. For his actions during the first five days of the Battle of the Somme he was awarded the Military Cross “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He worked incessantly for five days and nights tending the wounded brought in from “No Man’s Land”. He went out himself to direct operations connected with collecting the wounded quite regardless of the heavy fire.” Noel was killed on the battle fields between Passchendaele and Poelcapelle, whilst attending the wounded. Lt/Col Linton wrote to his family “Your son had been with this battalion for so long, and was so popular with all ranks, that we all feel we have lost a great friend.” Col Douglas also wrote “He was such a gallant lad, and always put his work before anything else.” Noel was the younger son of Samuel and Mary Elizabeth (daughter of George Wykeham) Saw of 11 Vanbrugh Park Road, Blackheath.