Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Charles William Francis Noel, 3rd Earl of Gainsborough, born on the 20th October 1850 in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire and his wife Mary Elizabeth Noel (nee Dease), Countess of Gainsborough, born 1855. Robert Thomas Edmund More was born on the 10th April 1888 in Stamford, Lincolnshire, his siblings were, Agnes Mary Catherine, born 1877 in Spetchley, Worcestershire, Norah Ida Emily, born on the 4th January 1881 in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, Clare Mary Charlotte, born on the 3rd March 1882 in Exton, Rutland, Arthur Edward Joseph, born 1885 in Bournemouth, Hampshire and Charles Hubert F., born 22nd October 1885 in Hampstead, Middlesex, in April 1891 the family home was at Exton Hall, The Park, Exton, Rutland. In March 1901 Robert was absent from the family home at Exton Hall, The Park, Exton, Rutland, residing there was his father, mother and siblings, Agnes, Norah and Clare. In April 1911 Robert was an Army 2nd Lieutenant and was residing in the family home at Exton Park, Exton, Rutland, together with his father.
Robert was educated at Downside and Clare College, Cambridge. He obtained his commission in the Royal Fusiliers, and was promoted Lieutenant on the 13th July 1912, and Captain on the 2nd February 1915. At the outbreak of war he was Assistant Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Nigeria. At the outbreak of war he immediately volunteered for active service in East Africa, and took part in the operations during the taking of the Cameroons, and the conquest of German East Africa. He contracted malaria while on active service and was buried at Massassi. The following extracts from a few of nearly three hundred letters received by his parents from friends he made in different parts of the world give some insight into his character and his real popularity with all sorts and conditions of men. The choir master of Downside Abbey (now Director of Westminster Cathedral Choir) where he sung during his five years stay at Downside School, says:- “His high principles commanded one’s respect and his bright, sunny disposition enlisted one’s affection.” A fellow of Clare College says:- “There have been few men in my experience who were more popular at sight with the very many varied friends of my own college who used to meet in my rooms at the time when he was up.” His commanding officer, while in the Royal Fusiliers, says:- “He was one of the best subalterns I ever had, a keen and plucky good soldier, and popular with all officers and men, and with none more so than myself. He was always cheery and ready to do anybody a good turn.” The Nigerian Pioneer says:- “As an officer of the Police Force, his conduct towards his inferiors was always characterised by that gentleness of bearing inherent in the gentleman born and bred.” An officer of his company says:- “As my company commander I cannot speak too highly of his ability as a soldier, his cheerful disposition at all times, and his wonderful consideration and love of his men.” On the social side the following was characteristic of him on all occasions:- “He was always so thoughtful and helpful at our dances. He used to volunteer to take dowagers to supper and, no doubt, made them enjoy it much more, and was always asking if he could help, so unlike the majority of young men, who think they are honouring you by coming.” He was a gentleman usher at the Coronation of King George V.
On Friday February 15th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – DEATH OF CAPT. HON. R. NOEL. – Captain the Hon. Robert Noel, Royal Fusiliers, attached Nigerian Regiment, died in German East Africa of dysentery and concomitant malaria on February 2nd, while on active service, aged 29. He was the third and youngest son of the Earl of Gainsborough. He received a commission as second lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers, and was promoted lieutenant on July 15th, 1912, and Captain on February 2nd, 1915. On the outbreak of war Captain Noel who was a good German scholar, was appointed Provost Marshal at Lagos, and subsequently was allowed to give up these duties and was attached to the Nigerian Regiment, then operating in Cameroon. With this regiment he served from July, 1915 till the following September, when a bad attack of fever necessitated his being sent home on sick leave. He returned to Lagos in June, 1916, and was ordered up country to put an end to local risings. He carried out his mission with distinction. In July, 1917, he preceeded (sic) with a draft to reinforce the Nigerian Regiment in German East Africa, and was stricken with the fever from which he suffered for nearly a month before his death.