5th Earl of Gainsborough
Page last updated on Monday, January 11, 2010
Lord Arthur Gerard Edward Noel died on December 29th 2009.
Wishing only to be known as ‘Tony Noel’ he commenced work with Vickers Supermarine at Hursley Park near Winchester in the autumn of 1943.
Stella Rutter in her recent book “Who Goes Where?” recalls that he worked in the drawing office close to her drawing position and that an acquaintance born of having been wartime colleagues was revived in more recent times.
Indeed, he accepted her invitation to contribute the Foreword to her book when it was published in 2008.
His speciality was creation of wiring looms and harnesses drawings for the production of a succession of Spitfire, Seafire, and Spiteful and Seafang marks of aircraft.
There are few of the former Vickers Supermarine employees still alive, regrettably.
It was a delight to welcome this informal and delightful gentleman as a fellow member to our 25th Anniversary AGM at Old Warden in April 2009 where he contributed most helpfully to the business of the day.
Lord Gainsborough had also been Chairman, Oakham Rural District Council 1952-67; President, Rural District Council's Association 1965; Master of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners 1967; President, British Association Order of Malta 1968-74; Bailiff Grand Cross Order of Malta; Chairman, Rutland County Council 1970-73 and active Member of the House of Lords at the time of his death.
Our Condolences and Sympathies are offered to his family and friends
David LLoyd
