BELL'S REDOUBT MEMORIAL
Contalmaison
Somme
France
Historical Information
The memorial is on the Mametz road from Contalmaison and is close to the spot where Donald Bell was originally buried. The memorial which was unveiled on 9th July 2000 replaces a wooden cross which was erected by his battalion.
Donald Bell is buried at Gordon Dump Cemetery
Pictures in gallery below © Johan Pauwels
The memorial is on the Mametz road from Contalmaison and is close to the spot where Donald Bell was originally buried. The memorial which was unveiled on 9th July 2000 replaces a wooden cross which was erected by his battalion.
Donald Bell is buried at Gordon Dump Cemetery
Pictures in gallery below © Johan Pauwels
Second Lieutenant Donald Simpson Bell, V. C.
9th Bn. Yorkshire Regiment, killed in action 10th July 1916, aged 25. Plot IV. A. 8.
Former professional football player. Son of Smith and Annie Bell, of Western Flats, Queen's Rd., Harrogate; husband of Rhoda Bell, of Wilmslow, Cheshire.
Citation: 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.
Donald Bell is shown below in the Green and White hoops of Bradford (Park Avenue), his playing record is shown below
1912-13 SEASON - BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)
April 16th, 1913, WOLVES, Won 5-1, English Division 2.
1913-14 SEASON - BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)
October 18th, 1913, FULHAM, Won 1-0, English Division 2.
October 25th, 1913, NOTTS. COUNTY, Won 3-2, English Division 2.
November 1st, 1913, LEICESTER FOSSE, Won 3-2, English Division 2.
November 8th, 1913, WOLVES, Lost 0-1, English Division 2.
9th Bn. Yorkshire Regiment, killed in action 10th July 1916, aged 25. Plot IV. A. 8.
Former professional football player. Son of Smith and Annie Bell, of Western Flats, Queen's Rd., Harrogate; husband of Rhoda Bell, of Wilmslow, Cheshire.
Citation: 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.
Donald Bell is shown below in the Green and White hoops of Bradford (Park Avenue), his playing record is shown below
1912-13 SEASON - BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)
April 16th, 1913, WOLVES, Won 5-1, English Division 2.
1913-14 SEASON - BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)
October 18th, 1913, FULHAM, Won 1-0, English Division 2.
October 25th, 1913, NOTTS. COUNTY, Won 3-2, English Division 2.
November 1st, 1913, LEICESTER FOSSE, Won 3-2, English Division 2.
November 8th, 1913, WOLVES, Lost 0-1, English Division 2.
Picture © Geerhard Joos
|
|
