Private robert bell 33488 and private frederick bell 33270

[Mikec]

Hello everyone i am new to the forum and trying to find out some information about my two great uncles.They both served in the 16 th battlion manchester regiment 1917,they were both killed in 1917 in france ,frederick bell in the battle of arras 23.03.17 and robert bell on 11/05/17 .I wondered if there is any more information or photos of them any information would be much apreciated.Let not forget all these great heroes.

[mack]

hiya mike
both brothers were in A.company,fred was killed on 23rd april 1917,robert was wounded in the same attack and died of wounds in hospital at Rouen
33270 frederick,william bell.born 15-5-1893
33488 robert,edward bell.born 1-4-1890
sons of william,david+maria bell 59 vernon st,harpurhey
both baptised at st.james church,collyhurst on 31 may 1893


freds body was found and buried in signal trench cemetery,heninel,but it was later destroyed by shellfire in future battles,he has a memorial cross in wancourt british cemetery.


there were four mentions of them in the manchester evening news on these dates

9-5-17
10-5-17
15-5-17
23-5-17

mack

[Mikec]

Hello mack thank you for your time and knowlege to send me this information,much appreciated.

[charlie]

Welcome to the forum Mike.

Frederick had previously served with the 14th (Reserve) and 25th (Reserve) Battalions, Robert with the 25th (Reserve) Bn http://www.themanchesters.org/batt%20index.htm

Both had War Gratuities paid to their mother of £4-10s, which indicates an enlistment date for Frederick of February 1916 and March 1916 for Robert.

Charlie

[Mikec]

Thank you charlie for your information much appreciated.