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Noel Godfrey Chavasse was born in Oxford from Francis Chavasse and Edith Jane Chavasse. He also had an identical twin named Christopher. Noel also had 7 siblings.
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In 1900, Noel's father Francis Chavasse became Bishop of Liverpool.
The family had lived in Oxford all of their lives up to this point. -
Noel excelled in many things in college. He was an athletic star. His academics weren't always strong, but he did better with each year. In 1904, Noel and his brother Christopher moved back to Oxford because they had been accepted at Trinity College.
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Noel was educated at Liverpool College and Trinity College. After graduating with honors, he decided to pursue medicine.
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In 1908, Noel and his twin brother represented Great Britain in the Olympics. They participated in the 400 meters. Neither of them were able to get past qualifying. Noel achieved second in his heat and his brother got third.
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Noel joined the Oxford University Officer Training Corps Medical Unit.
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In May 1909, Noel was promoted to lance-sergeant. His talents enabled him to rise quickly in the ranks. He was promoted over the head of many senior corporals.
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Noel traveled to London to take his examination for the Fellowship of the Royal college of Surgeons. He failed the test, but it was later found out that he was ill at the time of the test.
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Noel retook the examination, and this time he passed it with ease.
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Noel passed his final medical examination with flying colors. In fact, later in March, the University would award him. This premier prize was callded the Derby Exhibition.
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Noel registered with the Gerneral Medical Council. Because of this, he finally became a Doctor. His first job was at the Royal Southern Hospital in Liverpool. It was initially going to be until March 31st of the next year, but it was renewed for another six months.
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Noel applied for the Royal Army Medical Corps, and was accepted. One of his mentors was a Surgeon-Captain, so he was able to be given the job of Surgeon-Lieutenant.
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By the time the battle was done, only 140 soldiers and two officers were fit. In the battle, Noel lost many of his close friends. But he was also recommended for the Military Cross. Because of this battle, he was granted six months leave.
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Captain Chavasse won his first medal. This was the Military Cross at Hooge. Unfortunately, there was no citation of the award due to the lenght of the list of other people receiving this award.
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Noel was promoted to Captain in 1915 because of natural skill in medicine and his dedication.
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Captain Chavasse's deeds during the attack on Guillemont earned him his first Victoria Cross. Although wounded and under heavy fire, he went out onto the battlefield and searched for wounded men. Overall, he saved twenty men. His courage and self sacrifice was highly commemorated.
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Captain Chavasse was very seriously wounded and almost in critical condition. Still, he refused to leave his post. For two days, he performed his duties and went out under heavy fire to search for wounded men. Most of the time during this period, he was without food or water and without sleep. He was also very faint from his wound. He was still able to rescue many wounded men who almost surely would have died without his insane courage.
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Because of his severe battle wound, Noel died. Noel was able to save many lives at the sacrifice of his own. He is one of the only three men throughout the entirety of World War I that received the Victoria Cross twice. And for this, he will always be remembered.
