Mark Noble (25 Mar 1958 - 22 Jul 2020)

I am saddened to hear of Mark's passing. While I knew him for only a short period while he was an exchange pilot to HMLA-267 of the USMC, I have great respect for the man. He carried himself with a stoic professionalism on duty. I have fond memories of working with him onboard USS Okinawa in 1990-91. Rest in peace, sir. We have the watch.

In memory of a good man.

In memory of a good man

A true Royal Marine, Mark was passionate about his role as a marine, a pilot, father grandfather and friend. Taken too soon, sadly missed but always remembered. RIP, Russell, Jane & Family

Mark and I were friends for over 40 years and throughout, I knew that I would always receive a wonderful welcome, a rapier-like remark at the expense of someone he didn't appreciate and, invariably a beer. I can recall a rather challenging conversation with him in Co Fermanagh where we were both commanding small outposts, seemingly on the edge of the empire. After rabbiting on for a good 5 mins, probably about the CO or the RUC, Mark quietly announced that he'd have to go, having just had a negligent discharge in his civilian van. The fact that none of the rounds managed to pierce the skin of the Leyland Sherpa was testament to the quality of our weaponry - in this case, the Sterling Sub Machine Gun (SMG). From our first days together in Northern Ireland in 1979 through to our final evening together a few months ago, he was characterised by the the Ws - warm, witty and wise. A wonderful chap whom I shall miss and was privileged to have known. God bless you Mark.

I first met Mark when he was 14 year old and was privileged to have known his parents as well. Why you may wonder ?  I was RN/RM Schools Liaison Officer at the time (ie: a RN/RM Officer Recruiter’. I was invited to interview young Mark at his home (with his Mum and Dad present) since he wanted to put himself forward for a RN Scholarship that, at the age of 16, he was awarded one – he was passionate to fly helicopters for the RN.  He got his “A” levels, went to Dartmouth and then phoned me up out of the blue telling me that he thought that he had made a massive mistake - he hated Dartmouth, told me that the RN wasn’t for him and could I visit him at the Britannia Royal Naval College ? I was based in Plymouth at the time so, it was short hop for me. We met in a local Dartmouth pub where I met a very downhearted Midshipman Noble ! After a couple of beers, he told me that he really wanted to become a RM which, cutting another very long story short, he did. He and I kept in touch from the day he joined the Corps and, with the passage of time and to our joint and huge amazement, he joined 40 Commando RM and my Company as one my Troop Commanders when we were undertaking a 1 year tour of operational duty in Northern Ireland. He proved himself to be a courageous and an outstanding Troop Commander who was admired and enormously respected by his fellow RM Commandos. He then pursued his passion for flying - “At last ! ” he once told me ! We kept in touch and met occasionally throughout his career in the Corps until he left as the Deputy Commandant General of the Royal Marines - an appointment in which he not only excelled but he made a huge impact in improving things in the RM that were sorely needed at the time. We kept in touch and met several times (usually over a pint or three) after he had left. I am deeply privileged to have known Mark - and for so long. He was the best kind of friend that one could have wished for and the world will be a sorrier place without the likes of Mark Noble. May you Rest in Peace old friend.

In memory of a wonderful colleague and good friend. Always fun to be with, he was an outstanding Royal Marine - utterly professional but with a sense of humour in any situation.

I will forever have memories of Christmases and New Year past with you and Jan, drinking in the Monty smoking cigars crowded under the vent over the bar, of cricket with you and the boys, travelling to London and back together to our jobs in MOD, your infectious sense of humour and fun. You are missed.