Born Ashkirk, Roxburghshire, 23 July 1887. Son of Adam Bell (1865-1946) and Janet Jackson (1865-1919), of Ashkirk, Selkirkshire, Scotland. Eldest of five sons.
He joined the West Riding Police Force, on 9 Mar 1909 aged 21 and was a Member of the West Yorkshire and East Riding Constabulary.
Enlisted at Beverley. Posted to France, on 8 July 1915. Served in the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders. Killed in action, 3 May 1917, aged 29. Buried at Crump Trench British Cemetery, Calais, France.
As a Lance Corporal, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for “Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He covered a working party with his bombers, under very heavy Trench mortar and bomb fire, moving fearlessly about, giving encouragement. When his relief arrived after five hours, he voluntarily remained behind to help. (31 May 1916)” He was subsequently promoted to Acting Sergeant.
His army effects were left to his widow, Margaret Brown (1884-1923), who he married on 31 July 1915 • St. Giles, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. They had a son Adam, born in 1917 and a daughter Janet, born in 1915.
He is commemorated on the East Riding Police Plaque, St Mary’s Church, Hengate, Beverley
(Note: Eleven of the 20 Policemen listed on the Memorial Plaque, served with the Seaforth Highlanders, and six were killed at Loos, on the same day, 25 Sept 1915)
