Noel Chavasse

Noel Chavasse was an identical twin and one of seven children of Rev. Francis Chavasse, the former Bishop of Liverpool and founder of St. Peter’s College, Oxford. Noel was educated at Magdalen School in Oxford before attending the Liverpool College, and then went up to Trinity College, Oxford. At Oxford he was a lacrosse Blue in 1905-06 and athletics Blue in 1907- 08 when he ran in the 100 y and 440 y. In 1907 he dead-heated in the 100 y with the Cambridge first string Kenneth Macleod. Chavasse’s twin brother, Christopher, also competed in the 400 m at the 1908 Olympics.

Having studied medicine at University, Noel joined the medical unit of the Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps, and in 1910, after further specialist training, became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. In 1913 he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps as a lieutenant and was attached to the 10th battalion of the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment as a surgeon. In 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry following his actions at Hooge, Belgium, the previous June. Chavasse was to become one of only three men to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice and the only one to achieve the honour during World War I. The first was for his actions at Guillemont, France on 9 August 1916 and the second, awarded posthumously, for actions at Wieltje, Belgium in July and August 1917, when he was himself wounded whilst helping other injured soldiers. He was removed to a medical station and operated on, but died two days later. Chavasse is commemorated at 16 memorials, more than any other British individual killed in World War I. Another of Chevasse’s brothers, Alan, was also killed in action at Ypres a month before Noel, whilst his twin went on to become Bishop of Rochester.

Personal Best: 400 – 50.1y (1906).