At Newcastle upon Tyne (West Road) Crematorium is the Commonwealth War Grave of Chief Engineer Officer Sydney Bell, serving on S.S. Moses Gay (London) with the Merchant Navy who died 07/07/1946.

The son of James William and Georgina Bell and the husband of Sarah Elizabeth Bell, of Annfield Plain, Co. Durham. He was awarded the Lloyd’s War Medal for bravery at sea.

The Newcastle Journal 10/09/1941 reports:-
Mr. Sydney Bell. Chief Engineer, of St. Aidan’s Crescent, Annfield Plain, also receives commendation. He has been a seagoing engineer since he was 21. He was member of the crew of s.s. Goodwood, when she was torpedoed a week after war was declared. He was in the engine room when the ship was struck. He was badly injured and with difficulty dragged himself up on deck. The action for which he is commended took place on June 10, when his Ship was bombed by a plane. Bell courageously descended into the engine room after the ship had been hit and dragged out donkeyman who was danger of being scalded to death from escaping steam. The man was unable move. His legs were broken and in total darkness Bell hoisted the injured man on to his back and brought him to the deck, where both were lowered on to a lifeboat and picked up

Acknowledgments: Barney Rice

Sydney Bell is remembered at Annfield Plain on A38.09, at Newcastle on NUT062 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.