No.12131, Private, Francis BELL
Aged 28
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Francis Robert Bell was born in 1887 in Ashley (Newmarket Q4-1887 3B:516A), baptised 1892 in Ashley cum Silverley, son of Benjamin and Maria BELL (née HEAD).
1891 census...Aged 3, he was at Chapel Row, Ashley cum Silverley with his father Benjamin BAILEY [39] gamekeeper/drover, born Ashley; his mother Maria [41] born Barrow and brother James Ben [12], born Ashley. 1901 census...Aged 13, a farm labourer, he was at The Green, Ashley cum Silverley with his parents and brother James (bricklayer's labourer). 1911 census...Aged 23, still single and a farm labourer, he was at Ashley cum Silverley with his parents. His mother had borne 2 other children, Georgina HEAD [1869] and Lily [1863] both born in Barrow, Both survive in this census. The pension card has his mother in Ashley. |
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He enlisted in Newmarket. The 7th Suffolks were in the Ploegsteert area and on August 1st a bombing party was sent out, but one bomb exploded prematurely, killing 1 man and wounding two others. Since only two died that day, it must have been either L/Cpl Pugh or Frank who was the victim. |
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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