| Eric Norman Frankland Bell | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 August 1895 Enniskillen, County Fermanagh |
| Died | 1 July 1916 (aged 20–21) Thiepval, France |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 9th Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | World War I - Battle of the Somme |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Eric Norman Frankland Bell VC (28 August 1895 – 1 July 1916) was born Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland and was a British recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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Bell was born on 28 August 1895 in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh to Capt. E. H. Bell.
He was 20 years old, and a Temporary Captain in the 9th Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, British Army, attached to Light Trench Mortar Bty. during the First World War, and was awarded the VC for his actions on 1 July 1916, at Thiepval, France, and which led to his death.
For most conspicuous bravery. He was in command of a Trench Mortar Battery, and advanced with the Infantry in the attack. When our front line was hung up by enfilading machine gun fire Captain Bell crept forward and shot the machine gunner. Later, on no less than three occasions, when our bombing parties, which were clearing the enemy's trenches, were unable to advance, he went forward alone and threw Trench Mortar bombs among the enemy. When he had no more bombs available he stood on the parapet, under intense fire, and used a rifle with great coolness and effect on the enemy advancing to counter-attack. Finally he was killed rallying and reorganising infantry parties which had lost their officers. All this was outside the scope of his normal duties with his battery. He gave his life in his supreme devotion to duty.—The London Gazette, dated 26 September 1916[1]
The Victoria Cross awarded to Bell was held by members of his family since it was awarded. Air Marshal Sir Richard Bolt, stepson of the owner of the Cross, offered the cross to the Royal Irish Regiment. It was presented to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Museum in February 2001[2]