Lot 147
Killed in Action – Neuve Eglise ‡
Clandestine Operations - Inc The D.J. Croll Medal Collection & Other Properties | M26002
Auction: 16 September 2026 at 10.30 BST
Description
The 1914 Star awarded to Private George Henry Bell, 1st Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment, landed in France on the 14th of August 1914 and who was Posted Missing Presumed Killed in Action at Trenches Near Neuve Eglise on the 12th of April 1918 comprising 1914 Star, with copy Aug-Nov Clasp, (9028 Pte G.H. Bell. 1/Wilts: R.), Verdigris mark over “B” of Bell otherwise toned fine (1)
George Henry Bell was born in Landport, Hampshire c. 1894 he attested for the Wiltshire Regiment at Portsmouth He landed with the 1st Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment on the 14th of August 1914, Preset at the Battle of Mons 23rd August 1914. The War Diary of the 1st Battalion Wiltshire’s states,
12th of April 1918
Trenches Around Neuve Eglise
The Battalion took up a position around Neuve Eglise. Hostile Artillery very active all day. After Dusk the Battalion marched to Bailleul to support troops fighting to the East of that town, but the Battalion was despatched to hold a position at Crucifix Corner between Neuve Eglise and the Ravels Berg. Casualties. Officers. Lt R.H. Evans U.S.A. R.A.M.C. missing, OR 4 Killed, 16 wounded 282 Missing.
Private Bell was never seen again his father spent many months writing to the Red Cross, but he was never found, he is now commemorated on Panel 8 of the Ploegsteert Memorial, he was the son of James Alexandra Bell of 5, Byerly Road, Kingston, Portsmouth, he was 24 years Old when he was Killed.
Sold with Copy Medal Index Card showing entitlement clasp, Copy Medal Roll, Copy War Diary for April 1918, Commonwealth War Graves and Red Cross information
