The 2nd NZEF, Efficiency Decoration and St. John's group to Lt-Col. Alfred Lionel De Berri Noakes who was Menioned in Despatches for his service with the New Zealand Medical Corps during the Second World War.

 

Alfred Noakes was born 21st July 1900 at Waipu, New Zealand. Son of Hugh Lionel and Eleanor Noakes (née Barnes). He originally trained for the Civil Service before studying medicine, graduating from Otago Medical School in 1928. He was appointed lieutenant in the New Zealand Medical Corps in November 1928, and promoted to captain with 1st Field Ambulance, NZMC in 1932. He was further promoted to major in September 1937.

 

During the Second World War Noakes served as Registrar with 2 General Hospital in the Middle East from April 1940 until September 1941. He was briefly appointed as the Senior Medical Officer at Maadi Camp in Egypt before being promoted to lieutenant-colonel and appointed to the role of Commanding Officer, 1 Convalescent Depot. He remained in charge of the depot for the remainder of the war, including the transfer of the unit to Italy in December 1943. For his service during the war, Noakes was mentioned in despatches (L.G. 29/11/1945). He was also awarded the Efficiency Decoration in 1945 (AO 1945/38) and in  1947 he was awarded the Service Medal of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade (dated 1945 on the medal, as this is the year he qualified for the medal).

 

Dr. Alfred Noakes married Ellen Amy Marshall at Auckland in 1935, and after the war resided at Onehunga, working as a medical practitioner. He retired to Remuera, where he died 18th May 1977. He is buried at Purewa Cemetery.

 

Group consists of 1939/45 Star, Africa Star with 8th Army Clasp, Italy Star, Defence Medal, 1939/45 War Medal with MiD oakleaf, New Zealand War Service Medal, Efficiency Decoration (GRI) and SJAB Service Medal. The group is mounted on original ribbons, presumably as-worn by the recipient. The Efficiency Decoration is correctly engraved LT.COL. A. L. De B. NOAKES. 2. N.Z.E.F. and the SJAB Service Medal is also correctly engraved 4398 A.L.B. NOAKES. NEW ZEALAND. S.J.A.B.O. 1945