Stephen BELL

10 August 1917

BELL - July 28th 1917, killed in action in France, Lance-Corporal Stephen Bell, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, younger son of Mrs. Bell, of Lothersdale, aged 19 years.

10 August 1917

LOTHERSDALE - KILLED BY AERIAL TORPEDO

Sad news came to the village on Thursday morning last week in the form of a letter to Mrs. Bell, informing her of the death of her younger son, Stephen, who was killed in France by the bursting of an aerial torpedo over the trench in which he and another were standing. His captain writes:- "Lance-Corporal Bell was in my Company, and a most promising non-commissioned officer. He was killed two days ago (July 28th) whilst holding a bombing sap in the front line trenches with a man named Hayward. The enemy were strafing us with aerial torpedoes, and unfortunately one burst immediately over their heads, killing both. He was killed instantaneously. Allow me to convey to you and the other members of the family our very deepest sympathy. We shall undoubtedly miss him very much, as he was such a good fellow. I am deeply grieved myself, but wish no better fate than his, to lay down my life for the Right, the only gift we soldiers can give."

The Chaplain also writes to say that "he was buried on Sunday morning and lies in a cemetery set apart for our brave lads by the French Government."

Lance-Corporal Stephen Bell was in his 20th year. He enlisted in the Duke of Wellington's in December 1914, and was given his stripe in June 1916. He was very popular in the village and the news of his death has cast a gloom over the whole community. He has also his elder brother serving in the Army Service Corps, stationed at Le Havre, France.

17 August 1917

LOTHERSDALE - THE LATE LANCE CORPORAL S. BELL

We give a photograph of the late Lance Corporal Stephen Bell, of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, younger son of Mrs. Bell, of Lothersdale, who, as reported last week, was killed in France on July 28th by an enemy aerial torpedo, aged 20 years.

28 August 1917

LOTHERSDALE - Memorial Service

A service in memory of the late Lce.-Cpl. Stephen Bell, whose death was reported in these columns two weeks ago, was held in the Christ Church, Lothersdale, on Sunday last. The service commenced with the National Anthem and the hymns, 'O God our help in ages past,' 'Jesus lives no longer now,' and 'There is a Blessed Home' were sung. The Rector (Rev. J.S. Griffiths), preached an appropriate sermon to a large congregation of friends and relatives.

21 September 1917

SMITH - In loving memory of Private Alvin Smith, Lothersdale, killed in action in France on September 17th 1916, aged 20 years.

He will answer no more the roll call,
Nor rush at the bugle sound;
But, Lord, when the roll in Heaven is called
May his name in the Book be found.

From all at home.

SMITH - In loving memory of Private Alvin Smith, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, killed in action in France, September 17th 1916, aged 20 years.

He left his home in perfect health,
He looked so young and brave;
We little thought how soon he would
Be laid in a hero's grave.

No one knows the parting
Or what the parting costs,
But God in his great mercy
Has gained what you have lost.

The hardest part has yet to come
When the warriors all return,
And you miss among the cheering crowd
The face of your dear one.

From his loving friend, Lance-Corporal Stephen Bell.

02 August 1918

BELL - In loving memory of Lance-Corporal Stephen Bell, West Riding Regiment, killed in action on July 27th, 1917, aged 19 years.

So quick and sudden was the call,
His sudden death surprised us all;
Some day perhaps we shall understand,
When we meet again in that better land.

A hero loving and kind,
A beautiful memory left behind.

From Mother, Sisters and Brothers, Lothersdale.

Sleep on, dear Stephen, in a foreign grave,
A grave I may never see;
But as long as life and memory last
I will remember thee.
He lies beside his comrades,
In a hallowed grave unknown;
But his name is written in letters of love
On the hearts he has left at home.
This is the day of remembrance to all,
This is the day that is sad to recall.
Dead but not forgotten by one who loved you dear,
But ever while life lasts remembered by me.

From a dear friend - Enid Griffiths, Chester.

01 August 1919

BELL - In loving memory of a dear son and brother, Lance-Cpl. Stephen Bell, killed in action July 27th, 1917.

Some think that I forget you, dear,
But when nights are dark and friends are few,
It's then, dear Stephen, I think of you.

Enid.

Ever remembered by the Family and Enid, Rook Street, Lothersdale