Second Lieutenant Donald Simpson Bell VC of the 9th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment died July 10, 1916 aged 25.
He was the son of Smith and Annie Bell of Western Flats, Queens Road, Harrogate and husband of Rhoda Bell of Wilmslow, Cheshire.
An extract from the ‘London Gazette’ no.29740 dated September 8, 1916 records the following:
“For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack a very heavy enfilade fire was opened on the attacking company by hostile machine guns. Second Lieutenant Bell immediately, and on his own initiative, crept up a communication trench and then, followed by Corporal Colwill and Private Batey, rushed across the open under very heavy fire and attacked the machine gun, shooting the firer with his revolver, and destroying the gun and personnel with bombs. This very brave act saved many lives and ensured the success of the attack. Five days later this very gallant officer lost his life after performing a very similar act of bravery.”
Five days later he lost his life at Horseshoe Trench, 1km to the west of the memorial.
The memorial was placed by the Friends of the Green Howards Museum in July 2000.
Bell’s Redoubt is located 0.25km south east of Contalmaison on the north side of a lane.
