In St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of Second Lieutenant Thomas Henry Andrew Bell, serving with the 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment who died 17/10/1917.
The son of John Joseph Bell, of 18, Brocklesby Rd., South Norwood, London. Born at Newcastle upon Tyne.
Ron Carson has provided the following:
Henry was born in the first quarter of 1893 at Newcastle upon Tyne, the son of John Joseph and the late Beatrice (nee Walker) of Tyne House, 18 Brocklesby Road, South Norwood, London.
He served with 8th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed in action on 17th October 1917.
The Croydon Times 27/05/1916 reports:-
Promoted on the Field
Signal Honour for South Norwood Soldier.
From the Ranks to Commission.
Four Sons to be Proud Of.
There is great gratification in the house of Mr. J. J. Bell, of 18, Brocklesby-rd., South Norwood. It has just been learned that his second son. Henry, has been promoted on the field from the rank of sergeant to that of second lieutenant for merit and devotion to duty.
Second Lieut. Bell was in the regular army prior to the war. having joined the 2nd Yorkshire Regiment about six years ago. He very quickly obtained his sergeant’s stripes, and eventually did duty as orderly-room clerk. On October 14th, 1914 he left with his regiment for France. and there he has been in and out of the trenches ever since. Some weeks ago he was mentioned in dispatches for notable devotion to duty.
The honour he has won brought the heartiest congratulations from all ranks in his regiment. In addition to assurances of their appreciation, his Colonel presented him with a silver cigarette case. and his adjutant made him a gift of a fountain pen. The newly-made officer is now transferred to the 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and is engaged “somewhere in France.”
Mr. Bell, senior, has very good reason to be proud of his sons. He has three others serving King and Country at the moment. The eldest John Joseph Bell, it may be remembered, succeeded in gaining the coveted D.C.M. last December whilst serving as lance-sergeant in the 13th Battalion Cheshire Regiment. Another son, William, is aboard H.M.S. Indefatigable, and the fourth, Andrew, is engaged in strenuous duties on a transport collier in South Africa.
Not only South Norwood. but the whole borough of Croydon will warmly congratulate Mr. Bell on this other fine honour that has fallen to his family.
His brother William died on HMS Indefatigable in 1916 and John Joseph died July 7th 1916.
