On Tower Hill Memorial is the name of Sailor John Lenney Bell, serving on S.S. Haslingden (West Hartlepool) with the Mercantile Marine who died 12/05/1918.

The son of William and Mary Bell (nee Lenney) of 145 Livingstone Street, South Shields.

He was born in South Shields. His birth was registered in South Shields during the December quarter of 1900.

John  served on SS Haslingden (West Hartlepool), (Mercantile Marine), age 17.

The vessel was torpedoed by U boat UB-21 on the 12th May 1918, on route from Rouen to the Tyne in ballast. 7 miles E of Seaham Harbour. There were 11 casualties.

Research:- Peter Hoy

John Lenney Bell is remembered at South Shields on S86.143 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.