The Noble Family Papers

Commander Sir Allan Noble (1908-) was the only son of Admiral Sir Percy Noble by his first marriage. He joined the Navy in 1926 and was ADC to the Viceroy of India (Lord Linlithgow) 1936-38. He then commanded a number of destroyers in which he served with distinction in World War II and was awarded a DSO and a DSC.

He retired from the Navy in 1946 and entered Parliament as MP (Cons) for Chelsea, a seat which he held from 1945-59. He was Parliamentary Private Secretary to Mr. Anthony Eden 1947-51 and Parliamentary and Financial Secretary, Admiralty 1951-56. His next appointments were Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations 1955-56 and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 1956-59. In 1961 he was appointed Special Ambassador, Ivory Coast. He also held prominent business appointments and devoted much effort to educational and charitable causes. In 1956 he was appointed a Privy Counsellor. He died in 1982.