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Noel "Stringy" Stretch

Melbourne University Boat Club (VIC)

LT Noel “Stringy” Stretch MC and bar – student of Brighton Melbourne, son of an Anglican Bishop. Rowed at Geelong Grammar and finished second in the Head of the River in 1912. Rowed for his college, Trinity at Melbourne University. Enlisted 17th Aug 1914 at the age of 21 with the rank of private. Promoted to Sergeant on 9th September 1914. Granted a commission in the British Army on 19 April 1915. He died of wounds received in battle in France. His two other brothers served and survived WWI. He was "awarded the Military Cross for conspicuously gallant leadership and skilful handling of his Section of machine guns in the operations in the Ypres Salient on 31.7.1917. He was awarded a Bar to the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty from 20th to 22nd September 1917, east of Ypres. His cheerful and courageous example greatly inspired his men”.
His father was "grievously saddened, by the loss of a cherished son in the war”.

Andrew Guerin 2014

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The idea for this history originated from the Olympic Rowing and World Senior Rowing Championship histories written by Andrew Guerin and Margot Foster in 1991, 1992 & 1993 for the Australian team handbooks. Andrew Guerin developed and extended these histories to the current format in 2004 for publication in 2004 and then expanded the site.

Steve Roll has been an invaluable contributor to the website in locating errors and finding Christian names of rowers. His superb work is acknowledged.

© Andrew Guerin – 2004
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