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2nd Lt. Donald Simpson Bell VC
British Army 9th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment
from:Wilmslow, Cheshire.
(d.10th July 1916)
Donald Bell was killed in action on the 10th of July 1916 and is buried in the Gordon Dump Cemetery in France. A former professional football player, he was the son of Smith and Annie Bell, of Western Flats, Queen's Rd., Harrogate; husband of Rhoda Bell, of Wilmslow, Cheshire.
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."
