Charles William Bell, one of 6 children, was the 2nd born of 5 sons and had 2 older and 1 younger sister. His father Charles Bell and mother Isabella Holmes were married at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland where they were born in 1855 and 1864 respectively. Over the next 10 years Isabella gave birth to all 6 children, Isabella, March 5th 1885, Lilly Ann 1887, John Duxfield 1888, Charles William 1889, Harriet, March 8th 1891 whilst they were living at 5, Argyle Place, All Saints, Newcastle, where Charles supported his family employed as an engine fitter and Thomas Edward in 1895, baptised January 24th at Christ Church, Shieldfield, Newcastle. By 1901 they had moved to the suburbs of Newcastle at 40, Ramshaw Street, Elswick, unfortunately in 1904 Isabella Bell nee Holmes died aged only 39 years. Only 3 of Charles Snr’s children were still living at home in 1911 which consisted of 3 rooms at 20, Beaumont Street. He continued to be employed as an engine fitter, Charles William (21) was a clerk at Armstrong Whitworth’s ordinance works at Elswick, Thomas Edward (16) had been a laundry messenger, now unemployed, Harriet Bell (20) who had married in 1910 to George Henry Knott was also living in the household with her new husband and their 4-month old son Charles Ratcliffe Knott.

After the declaration of war Charles William, who was employed as a clerk, enlisted, December 4th 1915 for the duration of the war, attested at Elswick, a suburb of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland. He was posted to the Army Reserve the following day and was not mobilised until October 2nd 1918 when he was posted to the Machine Gun Training Corps, as Private 184736. He arrived at the training camp at Rugeley, Staffordshire, October 5th 1918, however, when the Armistice was declared November 11th 1918 he was compulsorily transferred to the 1st Reserve Machine Gun Corps at Belton Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire, February 2nd 1919. It was not until September 18th 1919 that he proceeded to the Dispersal Station, was taken off strength and transferred to Class Z, October 14th 1919, free to return to his home at 20, Beaumont Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and his employment as a civilian, however, under the obligation to return to the Colours should hostilities resume with Germany.

Further details unknown.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.