Jump to content
Free downloads from TNA ×
The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Bell brothers from Yorkshire


bobpike

Recommended Posts

This poser is posted on behalf of my friend, Patrick Gareipy who will be well known to Gallipoli afficionados, he is struggling to identify the brothers of -

BELL, Lance Corporal Laurie George

No.909 Original

Born in Marrick, near Richmond, Yorkshire, England, a son of William and Elizabeth Bell. One of his brothers served in an Australian Light Horse regiment. He was educated at Haworth Board School in England and was unmarried. At the age of 18 he emigrated to Australia. In civil life he was employed as a gardener while in England, and in Sydney, N.S.W. after emigrating. He had served in a Territorial Force battalion of the British Army. On --- he enlisted in the A.I.F. in ---. At the time of his enlistment he was described as being ---. Killed in action on December 1, 1915, aged 22 years. Buried Shell Green Cemetery, Anzac.

His sister, Annie Bell of 2, Thomas Street, Haworth, Yorkshire, wrote on his Roll of Honour questionnaire:

He was the youngest of 5 Brothers who all joined the Army as soon as the War broke out, 4 of whom have been killed, 3 in the English Army and 2 in the A.I.F. [sic]. He was at the Landing at Gallipoli & went all through the campaign and was killed 4 days before they evacuated [illegible].

The names of the 3 English brothers are needed so can someone, please, check the Bells from the Haworth/Richmond War Memorials and look at the 1891 and 1901 censuses, that would also help to narrow the names down.

Thank-you in advance,

Bob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bob

This appears to be the family in 1901, at 21 Prince St., Haworth

Elizabeth, 50, Head (not shown as such, but presumably a widow)

Barbara A., 24

Margaret J., 21

Herbert H Bell,10

James B Bell, 15

Jane Bell, 18

John W Bell, 16

Lawrence G Bell, 8

and in 1891, they're in Marrick, Yorks, address A Farm House

William Bell, 44, Farmer

Elizabeth, 40, wife

Joseph J., 16

Barbara A., 14

Margaret J., 11

Jane, 8

John W., 6

James B., 5

Ada D., 2

Herbert H., 11 months

Hope this helps

Jim

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jim,

That's great, thank you very muc, you seem to have the five brothers, what do you think of these as being them?

There are 3 listed as born Richmond, and 7 who enlisted there. There are no entries under Bell for Marrick or Haworth.

The 3 are -

Gnr. Herbert 76th RFA 54140 30.6.16 - Basra Mem - yes?

Sgt. John Wm. 1/6th Duke of Well 162 27.12.15 - Talana Farm Cem - yes?

A/Sgt. Joseph James 1/6 Duke of Well 307531 23.6.17 - Sailly-Labourse CCE - yes?

None on CWGC have any family details except Joseph who is married to Mrs M Bell of Keighley.

and James B, who is he?

Bob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bob

Joseph J Bell, the eldest brother, was recorded as a lodger in Co. Durham in the 1901. I've found what might be his marriage in Keighley in Dec. quarter 1911:

Surname First name(s) District Vol Page

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marriages Dec 1911

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bell Joseph J Keighley 9a 422

Coulston Lucy Keighley 9a 422

HANLON Margaret Keighley 9a 422

Rush William Keighley 9a 422

From this, he married either Lucy or Margaret - and Margaret would tie in with what you've got.

From your earlier post, their birth place, Marrick, is stated to be "near Richmond", so if they state born Richmond on their enlistment, you've a very good chance they're your chaps IMO.

James B. Bell appears on the 1891 and 1901 censuses, born c.1886.

Jim

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jim,

Thanks again, James B seems to be the missing one. I've trawled SDied & CWGC to no avail so far,

Bob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, from what you've got so far, James must be the 2nd brother who served in the Aus forces AND survived?

Would he appear on medal rolls?

Jim

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, Jim, from what Patrick has sent me he must be, however I have checked AWM Nominal Roll, Embarkation Roll etc & there is only one Jame B Bell, a Major in AAMC who I feel is unlikely. There are, of course, lot of Jameses, it is the B that is missing!

Bob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...