Norman's Story.
Birkenhead News 29 August 1917
OXTON OFFICER MISSING.
Lieut. N. Bell in Air Duel.
Sympathy will go out to Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Bell, of Normanston Road, Oxton, who have received official notification that their elder son, Second-Lieut. Norman Bell, (Cheshire Regt.) is missing and probably a prisoner in Germany. The gallant officer who is attached to the Royal Flying Corps, proceeded to the front in November, 1914, as a private in the Liverpool Scottish. Lieut. Bell went through the famous charge at Hooge, and after rapid advancement in the technical grade of military organisation he returned in April, 1916, to study for a commission. Within six months Lieut. Bell was gazetted second-lieutenant and attached to the Cheshire Regiment. After a winter in the trenches he returned to England last May for training with the R.F.C. having obtained his certificate he returned to the front last month, and in his first flight last Saturday with Sergt. Pilot Comerford the engine stopped, and the machine was last seen going down over the other side of the lines pursued by three German machines. In a letter to Lieut. Bell’s father, Major L. A. Pattinson remarks “that there is a very good chance that they landed safely, as the Huns would not have shot at the machine when they saw that it was going to land in their territory.” Major Pattinson expressed his sorrow that such misfortune should have overtaken the lieutenant the first time he crossed the lines. Lieut. Bell showed great keenness when he was on practical work and his future was full of brilliant promise.
Birkenhead News 13 October 1917
MIISSING. NOW REPORTED KILLED.
Second-Lieut. Norman Bell, Cheshire Regt. attached R.F.C., who was reported missing on August 4 last, is now reported killed. In a letter to his parents Major L. A. Pattinson writes :- “It is with the deepest regret that I must inform you that I have received information of the death of your son, who was in my squadron. This came from a message dropped by the Germans. I feel very sorry indeed to send this, as I liked your son and regarded him as likely to make a good observer. It is probable that he was killed instantly, as his pilot, Sergt. Comerford was also killed, and the machine, therefore, fell out of control from a great height.”