Samuel Frank Noon

Born 18 Oct 1938 - Died 23 May 2019

Service number: T37162 AWMM
Malaya 37162 AWMM
Also known as: Sam AWMM
Armed force / branch: Army AWMM
Last rank: Malaya Corporal/Military 1NZIR Repatriation Lists R22435682 New Zealand Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion 1NZIR Repatriation Lists R22435682
War: Malaya, 1960-1964 AWMM
Thailand, 1962-1971 AWMM

Samuel Frank Noon on Anzac Day. Image kindly provided by the Noon family via Auckland RSA website (April 2020). Image subject to copyright restrictions.

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Biographical information

Samuel (Sam) Noon, Malaya Veteran, Auckland RSA Executive Committee Member and Parade Co-ordinator of the Auckland Anzac Day Civic Service.

Sam was apart of the Regular Force Cadet Shuttleworth Class, and chose the apprenticeship for the Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineering School, where he completed his apprenticeship as an Advanced Certified Automotive Engineer. Sam's military career took him to Papakura, Waiouru, Linton and Burnham Military Camps. In 1961-1963 Sam joined B Company, 1 New Zealand Regiment and served as a Patrol Commander in Terendak Military Camp, during his deployment to Malaya he was seconded to Singapore for Special Troop Guard duties, at various Presidents, and High Commissioner offices and residents. On his return to New Zealand, Sam was seconded to the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps as part of the Armoured Squadron, where he provided Workshop services for Tanks, Armoured Cars, Bren Gun Carriers and other military support vehicles. In 1968, he was transferred to the 1 Engineer Workshops at Linton Military Camp, then in 1970 he joined the 5 Specialist Team as part of the Government Colombo Plan. This team was responsible for providing apprentice training and service for all heavy and earth moving equipment while building a connector road between Mahasarakham and Ubon US Military Air Base. In 1974, he was seconded to the Fijian Military Forces as an Engineering Apprentice Training Officer. He retired from the New Zealand Army, in 1974 receiving an Honourable Voluntary release and Good Conduct Medal. During his deployments, Sam learned to speak fluent Malay and Thai, later when he worked in Papua New Guinea he also learnt to speak four of the local dialects.

Sam was also an avid sportsman, playing indoor Basketball, Rugby and Softball, he also coached all three sports during his time in service and was incredibly involved in local youth clubs with his wife Eileen. He was a services representative in Indoor Basketball and Softball in 1969, named Sportsman of the Year by the Palmerston North Basketball Association in 1973, selected as a New Zealand Services Coach in 1974 and honoured with the 1976 New Zealand Sports Service Award.

He was involved with many clubs and associations and these affilations include: Papakura RSA 1974-2014, Associate of Internation Red Crss 1984 -1993, Chairman NZ Kiwi Club PNG 1990-1994, Member Veterans Association 1993-2019, Chairman Bravo 61 - 1 NZ Regimen 1996-2015, Chairman Motutoa Awhenua Trust 1997-2019, Chairman Maori Malay Polynesican Society 2014 -2017, Auckland Returned Services Association Executive 2015-2019.

Sam and his wife Eileen have four children, four grandchildren, helped to raise 9 children in all and one great granchild.

Beyond his formal service, Sam’s whānau recall his unwavering commitment to people and to service. They describe him as someone who went where he was needed, without hesitation, and who brought care, respect, and generosity to all those he worked with, regardless of background or belief. His values, they note, continue to guide his children and grandchildren, and remain a lasting part of his legacy (Profile written for “A Flight to Remember”, an Anzac Day 2026 initiative by Online Cenotaph and Air New Zealand). AWMM

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Samuel Frank Noon