Bill Bell (solicitor) facts for kids

Colonel Francis Cecil Leonard "Bill" Bell (born September 25, 1912 – died December 20, 2012) was a brave British Army officer. He was honored with special awards like the DSO and the MC for his actions during World War II. After the war, he became a top legal advisor for Lloyds Bank. He also led the European Legal Committee for the British Bankers' Association.

Early Life and School

Francis Bell was born in a town called Bourne in Lincolnshire, England. This was on September 25, 1912. He went to a private school named Gresham's School in Holt, Norfolk. At school, he was very good at sports, especially hockey. He also joined a special school group called the Junior Officer Training Corps. Here, he learned about being a soldier and became a high-ranking cadet.

His Career Journey

Starting as a Lawyer

In 1936, Francis Bell became a qualified solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. A year later, in June 1937, he started working for the Board of Trade as a junior legal assistant.

Serving in the Military

Francis Bell joined the 4th Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment in the Territorial Army in 1932. He started as a second lieutenant. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1935.

When World War II began, he became a full-time soldier. His first active duty was in 1939. He went to France with the 6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. This group was part of the British Expeditionary Force.

Escape from Dunkirk

In May and June 1940, France was falling to Nazi Germany. Francis Bell was part of the famous Dunkirk evacuation. He escaped from Dunkirk on a Chinese river gunboat. At that time, he was a temporary captain. After this, he spent two years in Britain. He helped with the defenses against a possible invasion.

Fighting in North Africa and Italy

In 1943, Bell took part in the Tunisian campaign in North Africa. He landed in Algiers in January 1943. During this time, he was a temporary major. He led a company of soldiers in the 6th Lincolns. He even took command of the whole battalion for a short time. This happened after their previous commander was killed.

Bell also fought in the Italian Campaign. He landed at Salerno in September 1943. He led "B" Company during these landings. He also led them during the tough Battle of Monte Cassino. In July 1944, he again took command of the Battalion. In September, his unit helped break through the Gothic Line. This was Germany's last major defense line in Italy. During this time, he was an acting lieutenant colonel.

He finished the war as a lieutenant, but with the rank of major. He was promoted to captain in April 1945. Later, he joined the Parachute Regiment in 1950. He then returned to the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment in 1952. He retired from the Territorial Army in 1963. He kept the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel.

Life After the War

After the war, Francis Bell went back to his legal career. In 1946, he returned to the legal department of the Board of Trade. In 1953, he started working for Lloyds Bank. He became their Chief Legal Adviser. He retired from the bank in 1977. Later, he became a director of the British Bankers' Association. He also chaired its European Legal Committee.

Even in retirement, Bell stayed connected to his military past. He was president of his Battalion Benevolent Fund. He also led his local branch of the Royal British Legion. He lived in Chiddingfold, Surrey, until he passed away on December 20, 2012.

Family Life

In 1942, Francis Bell married Mary Wynne Jacob. They had two children, a son and a daughter. Sadly, his first wife passed away before him. In 1966, his daughter Elizabeth Bell married Hugh Andrew David Cairns. In 1999, Bell married Priscilla Muir. They did not have children. Priscilla and his two children from his first marriage survived him.

Awards and Honors

Francis Bell received many awards for his bravery and service.

• In December 1940, he was Mentioned in Despatches. This means his brave actions were officially noted.
• On April 22, 1943, he received the Military Cross (MC). This was for his "gallant and distinguished services in North Africa."
• He was Mentioned in Despatches again in September 1943 for his service in North Africa.
• He was also Mentioned in Despatches for his service in Italy.
• On December 13, 1945, he was awarded the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). This was for his "gallant and distinguished services in Italy."

He also received several campaign medals for his World War II service:

• the 1939–45 Star
• the Africa Star
• the Italy Star

In 1951, he received the Territorial Efficiency Decoration (TD). This was for his long service in the Territorial Army. He was also made an Honorary Colonel of the 4/6th Battalion, The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. He held this role from 1963 to 1967. He then became Honorary Colonel of the entire Royal Lincolnshire Regiment from 1967 to 1969.