Notes
The Bristol Grammar School website provides his service and death details and this biographical information: 'Son of James Harrison Bell, Superintendent of Poor Law Homes, and Laura Bell of The Home, Channon’s Hill, Fishponds.
Bell was born on 06/04/1898, and attended the School from 1910-1916. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the RAF, with the Royal Air Force 58th Sqdn. Bell sadly lost his life on 26/09/1918, as a result of the War.
He is buried in Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France, grave reference V.E.28.'
He was obviously a fine cricketer at school as the same website states: 'He captained the BGS 1st XI in 1915 - 1916, and the Chronicle describes him as ‘A fine batsman who puts tremendous power behind his strokes’ and as ‘One of the best wicket keepers the School has ever had’. On leaving school he joined the 3rd Gloucesters and later transferred to the RAF; on 26 September 1918 his plane was hit while returning from a bombing raid. The plane crashed and both Bell and the pilot were killed. In his memory his mother gave the school his cricket bat. It was at first hung in the Pavilion, but subsequently it was awarded annually to the outstanding cricketer of the year. The board shows some of those awarded the Bell Bat, including Tom Graveney, recently President of the MCC, who played for the 1st XI in 1944.'