Ernest's Story.
Birkenhead News 10 March 1917
Higher Bebington Hero Killed
Mr. and Mrs. Bell, of White Cottage, Higher Bebington, have received official intimation of the death in action of their second son, Private Ernest Bell, on Feb. 17th. The deceased soldier, who was a market gardener at Chesterfield, joined the Cheshire Regt., and had been at the front for about three months. How much he was liked id testified by letters of sympathy which his parents have received from his captain and chaplain.
The captain writes:- “It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that your son Private E. Bell, was killed in action on the 17th February, whilst taking part in a raid on the German line. His cheerfulness and example endeared him to all, and on behalf of all his comrades I should like to express our deepest sympathy with you in your great loss.”
The chaplain writes :- “Your son was most gallantly taking part in a raid on the German trenches when he was killed. His death was instantaneous, and he can have suffered no pain. I buried him two days after in a beautiful cemetery not far from the trenches. The grave will be always carefully looked after, and a wooden cross is being erected.”
Mr and Mrs Bell have three other sons in the Army and one in the Navy. One son, Pte. Arthur Bell, of the Machine Gun Corps has been wounded. Warrant Officer W. H. Bell joined the Navy when he was 15. The fourth son C.Q.M.S. Bell, of the Cheshire Regt. and the youngest son is Sgt. A. S. Bell of the Welsh Division Cyclist Company were both formerly clerks in the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board offices, Liverpool.