David Bell
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
David was born in Retford in 1889 and was the son of David a malsters labourer and Ellen Bell (nee Hydes) who on the 1901 census were living at High Street, Ordsall. David had an elder sister Sarah Ellen born 1883 and elder brother William born 1885. By the 1911 census David has left home he is 22 years of age and is single and living with James Thompson and his family who are Pork Butchers at 10 Carolgate Retford he is shown as a shop assistant.
David enlisted in January 1915 in Hull and went to France after three months training and served with the 1/4th east Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Yorks Own) He first saw service in a theatre of war in France on 17th April 1915 (medal index card ) and was killed in action on 23rd April 1917. He is buried in Wancourt British Cemetery, Pas De Calais, France. grave reference V C 22.
Cpl David Bell Retford Times 20 July 1917 This brave young soldier, Corpl David Bell, East Yorks Regt, son of Mr D W Bell, 44 Grove Street, Retford, was first reported missing and is now reported killed in action April 23rd 1917 in France. He enlisted in January 1915 and went to France after three months training. He was 29 years of age and was employed as a second engineer for a Hull shipping company. He served his apprenticeship with Mr J Thompson, pork butcher, Retford. Corpl Bell was previously reported as killed by the War Office two years ago but he was only missing for a week when he re-joined his regiment.
