Frank Bell (RAF airman) facts for kids

Sergeant Frank William Bell (born August 23, 1897 – died February 1960) was a brave airman during World War I. He served in the Royal Air Force as an observer and an air gunner. An observer helped the pilot navigate and spot enemy planes. As an air gunner, he used machine guns to defend his aircraft.

Together with his pilot, Frank Bell was recognized for shooting down six enemy aircraft. This achievement made him a "flying ace," a special title given to pilots or air gunners who achieved five or more aerial victories.

Early Life and Joining the War

Frank William Bell was born as George Stanley Bell in Margate, Kent, England. When World War I began in 1914, he was still very young. He joined the Territorial Force, which was a part-time volunteer army.

In 1915, he decided to join the regular army. He re-enlisted under a new name, Frank William Bell. He also changed his birth date slightly. He first joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, an infantry regiment.

Becoming an Airman

Later in 1915, Frank Bell transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the British Army before it became the Royal Air Force. He became an Observer/Machine Gunner. This meant he would fly in an airplane with a pilot, helping to spot enemies and firing machine guns. He served in No. 9 Squadron RFC.

Aerial Victories and Heroic Actions

Frank Bell achieved his first aerial victory on July 25, 1918. He was flying in a DH.9 aircraft with his pilot, Lieutenant Arthur Rowe Spurling. They were part of No. 49 Squadron RAF. Bell successfully shot down a Fokker D.VII fighter plane over a place called Mont-Notre-Dame.

The 21st Birthday Battle

A very notable event happened on August 23, 1918, which was Frank Bell's 21st birthday. He and Lieutenant Spurling were flying their DH.9 back from a bombing mission. They got separated from their squadron because of thick clouds.

Thinking they had crossed back over their own lines, Lieutenant Spurling began to descend. He saw an airfield below and prepared to land. Suddenly, they saw about thirty enemy aircraft rising towards them! They quickly realized they were still over German territory.

Lieutenant Spurling bravely dived their plane right through the middle of the large enemy formation. During this daring move, he managed to damage one enemy plane and saw two others spin out of control. Frank Bell also showed incredible courage. He shot down two more enemy aircraft. After this intense fight, they managed to escape safely.

For their bravery during this action, Lieutenant Spurling received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Frank Bell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.

After the Battle

After this big battle, Frank Bell was hospitalized in Boulogne starting August 24. He returned to England on August 28. In September, he was assigned to No. 11 Squadron RAF.

Awards and Recognition

Frank William Bell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his outstanding bravery and dedication. This medal is given to non-commissioned officers and other ranks for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air."

Distinguished Flying Medal Citation

The official description for his award stated:

• No. 402108 Serjt.-Mech. Frank William Bell (Egremont).
• He was described as a very keen and reliable observer.
• He took part in eighteen bombing missions, always showing great courage and dedication to his duty.
• The award specifically mentioned the occasion when his pilot dived through a formation of about thirty enemy planes. Five of these enemy planes then attacked their aircraft.
• Because of his pilot's skillful flying, Sergeant Bell had the chance to shoot down two of the enemy aircraft, which caught fire. The other three enemy planes gave up the fight and disappeared into the mist.