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Second Lieutenant DONALD SIMPSON BELL

Regiment & Unit/Ship

Yorkshire Regiment

9th Bn.

Date of Death

Died 10 July 1916

Age 25 years old

Buried or commemorated at

GORDON DUMP CEMETERY, OVILLERS-LA BOISSELLE

IV. A. 8.

France

Famous Sportsmen, Footballers: headstone of 2nd Lieut Donald Bell, VC in Gordon Dump Cemetery, France

Photographer: Unknown

  • Country of Service United Kingdom
  • Awards Victoria Cross
  • Additional Info Former professional football player. Son of Smith and Annie Bell, of Western Flats, Queen's Rd., Harrogate; husband of Rhoda Bell, of Wilmslow, Cheshire.
  • Additional Citation note

    An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 29740, dated 8th Sept., 1916, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack a very heavy enfilade fire was opened on the attacking company by a hostile machine gun. 2nd Lt. Bell immediately, and on his own initiative, crept up a communication trench and then, followed by Corpl. Colwill and Pte. Batey, rushed across the open under very heavy fire and attacked the machine gun, shooting the firer with his revolver, and destroying gun and personnel with bombs. This very brave act saved many lives and ensured the success of the attack. Five days later this very gallant officer lost his life performing a very similar act of bravery.

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