Henry James Bell

Brussels, 40, rue des Croissades, WW1

Brussels, 40, rue des Croisades, postcard sent by Henry James Bell to his parents August 21, 1916

Henry James Bell was born September 11, 1885 New Shildon, Co. Durham.

Parents: James Bell and Elizabeth Robson.

1891 & 1901 census: family now at Willington. Henry's father was a coke drawer, while Henry was a labourer at the brickworks.

Rank: Signaller. Unit: East Surrey Regiment.

Henry had served in the army prior to WW1 but that regiment is unknown.

Henry was wounded and captured early 1916 and remained a prisoner of war until the end of the war.

reverse of postcard to Henry James Bell's parents WW1

Reverse of the postcard above. Henry was in hospital.

Letter from POW WW1

Field Service Post Card dated July 14, 1916

Shortly after his return to England Henry married Mabel Lyon, of 48, Nelson Street, Willington , on September 13, 1919 at the United Methodist Church, Willington. After several moves Henry and Mabel lived for the rest of their lives at Ashcroft Gardens, Bishop Auckland. Mabel died 1959 and Henry 1961.

Henry is the maternal grandfather of Keith Bell.