Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

William Joseph Bell was born to parents Joseph Bell and Alice Elizabeth in 1897 (2) in Mosman, NSW (3) as an only child. 

He and his parents eventually moved to Randwick (1). He attended Sydney Technical High School, lan academically selective high school, for three years from 1912-1914 (6). Bell was found in class 1A in 1912, 2A in 1913 and 3B in 1914 (6). He was found in the top 25 students in his year every year whilst being in the highest ranked class for the first two years of schooling (6). His conduct and application to school was described as ‘very good’ in his reports (6). Bell graduated in 1914 at 17 years of age. Upon graduation, he began his job as a clerk (3). He would continue this job for three years before enlisting into the army.

On the 1st of December 1917, a 20 year and 3 month old William Joseph Bell enlisted into the army (3). Bell completed a medical exam documenting his height at 5’4 and weight of 129 lbs (3). He also filled out and signed forms which were reviewed by attesting and recruitment officers before swearing an oath. Bell underwent a second medical examination on the 1st of February 1918 (3) before being appointed by a commanding officer on the 27th of May 1918 (3).

On the 19th of June 1918, William Joseph Bell embarked from Sydney as a Private onboard the SS Feldmarschall (2). He disembarked in London on the 26th of August (4). He was originally allocated to the 14th Battalion (4). Soon after, Bell was temporarily allocated to the 30th Battalion (4). 

William Joseph Bell attained Acting Corporal of the 14th Battalion on the 3rd of September 1918 (4). He kept this temporary role for 26 days until the 29th of September 1918, when he was reverted to private and also transferred to the 9th Battalion (4). The 9th Battalion was vital in breaching the Hindenburg Line, this assault continued through September and October, where Bell would be present on the front lines. 

On the 1st of February 1919, Bell was Taken On Strength to the A.V.H, where he would stay until he was to march out with the 34th Battalion on the 4th of April (4). 

William Joseph Bell departed from France on the 20th of May 1919 (5) before returning to Australia on the 3rd of July 1919 (5)

After two years of service and over a year abroad, William Joseph Bell returned home to his parents in Sydney (5). Upon arrival, Bell returned to his career as a clerk, he would continue in this profession for the rest of his life (8). In 1921, Bell would marry Ellen M Twohig at the age of 24 (7). William Joseph Bell and Ellen M Twohig divorced at an unknown date. Bell continued working as a clerk supporting his parents and wife until their divorce. Unfortunately, William Joseph Bell passed away suddenly on the 5th of August 1936 at just 39 years old (8). The cause of Bell’s death is unknown (1). 

References:

(1) Virtual War Memorial Australia

(2) The AIF Project

 National Archives of Australia Bell William Joseph : SERN 54396 : POB Sydney NSW : POE Narrandera NSW : NOK F Bell Joseph:

(3) Australian Imperial Force Attestation Papers
(4) Casualty Forms - Active Service
(5) Casualty Form Part II
(6) Sydney Technical High School academic reports

(7) Joseph William Bell’s Registration Details

(8) Joseph William Bell’s Death Certificate

Bibliography:

Ken Stevenson, Research on Google Drive
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/SearchScreens/BasicSearch.aspx
https://vwma.org.au/explore/units/227
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/209920
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1338583’
https://vickersmg.blog/in-use/british-service/the-british-army/machine-gun-corps/machine-gun-corps-infantry/no-14-battalion-machine-gun-corps/
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51470#:~:text=The%2030th%20was%20heavily%20engaged,through%20August%20and%20into%20September.
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51449#:~:text=The%20battalion%20continued%20operations%20until,Australia%20for%20demobilisation%20and%20discharge.
https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/5514826