Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

“ROLL OF HONOUR...

Robert William Bell, seaman, killed on the H.M.A.S. Sydney. Robert Bell was the eldest son of the late Mr Robert Bell and Mrs Mary Bell, of Waverley street, Richmond. He was aged 25 years. He joined the Australian Navy three years ago, and served on board the destroyer Yarra. He was transferred to the Sydney at Christmas. He was a popular young fellow, and the news of his death came as a great shock to his widowed mother, who had been looking forward eagerly to his return. Bell is the third native of Richmond to have met death while serving with the Australian Naval Forces since the outbreak of war.” From the Weekly Times 21 November 1914. (nla.gov.au)

Ordinary Seaman Robert Bell was the eldest son of Mrs. Mary Bell, a widow, residing at No. 1 Waverley-street, Richmond. Bell would have been 25 years of age next month. He joined the navy three years ago, entering the naval depot at Williamstown. His first sea trip was made in the destroyer Yarra, and early in the present year he was transferred to H.M.A.S. Sydney. When the telegram from the Admiralty was delivered at No. 1 Waverley street, Richmond, yesterday morning, it was opened by the sister of the deceased naval seaman. Mrs Bell, who has for some time been in ill health, had been sent to Foster, in Gippsland, in the hope that a change of climate would benefit her. Miss Bell quickly communicated with her brothers, of whom there are two, and a telegram was despatched to their mother at Foster, asking her if she could come home, as "news had been received from Robert." Within a few minutes of the arrival of the official telegram announcing the death of the seaman, the Church of England chaplain from the naval depot at Williamstown called to offer condolences.” From The Argus, 17 November 1914. (nla.gov.au)