Sydney Bell

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Admitted to New Zealand Auxiliary Hospital, Moascar, 16 March 1916 (influenza).

Transferred to 55th Bn from 5th Brigade Details, Moascar, 3 April 1916; taken on strength of 55th Bn, Ferry Post, 3 April 1916.

Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 19 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 29 June 1916.

Killed in action, 20 July 1916.

Buried at V.C. Avenue, Rue Petillon, by Reverend G.B. Statt, 20 July 1916.

Statement, Red Cross File No 330404, 3574 Pte E.W. McCARTHY, A Company, 55th Bn, 12 February 1917: 'He was killed just behind me as we were going into the Trenches at Fleurbaix on July 19th. We were V.C. Sap at the time. A shell fell right in amongst us. He was killed outright. The body had to be left there as we went on into the trench.'

Second statement, 3811 Driver E.F. GOUGH, formery A Company, 55th Bn (patient, No 5 General Hospital, Rouen), 27 February 1917: 'Before the attack started on the 20th July, he was in our first line trench with me. The Germans put a barrage on the trench and they got him with a shell. He was killed at once. We were just going out and I did not see him again and I do not know if he was buried.'

Third statement, 3795 Pte V.J. DREW, 55th Bn, 15 January 1917: 'We were at Fromelles. Bell and Sgt. Jack Boyle were hit by the same shell in a communication trench going up to the attack. Bell was killed and Boyle was wounded ...'

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal