GUELPH FLYER LISTED KILLED IN OPERATIONS • Warrant Officer Earl Bell to Be Buried in England—Has Two Brothers Overseas • Guelph, Feb. 29 (1944) – Yesterday, Mr. and Mrs. James Bell were notified by the Royal Canadian Air Force casualties officer that one of three sons serving, Warrant Officer Earl Bell, RCAF, has been killed overseas. His funeral was scheduled to be held in Chester Cemetery, Cheshire, England. The brief cable, received yesterday, stated that W.O. Bell had been killed while on active service and that a letter to follow would bring complete details.
Born in Guelph 28 years ago, he received his education here in the public schools and graduated from the Collegiate Vocational Institute. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 at Toronto and trained as a wireless air gunner at Camp Borden before receiving his sparks at No.4 RCAF Wireless School, Guelph. He received his “WAG” wing a few weeks later at Jarvis. After graduation he was posted to Malton for one year, following which he took a special course in Nova Scotia, before going overseas in September, 1943.
Surviving are his widow, the former Jean South, and three children, Gail 5, Nelson 4, and Sandra 7 months.
Warrant Officer Bell’s two brothers, Roy and Russell Bell are also serving overseas with the Canadian Active Army. The trio represents the entire male potion of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bell. Privates Roy and Russell Bell joined the 11th Field Ambulance Royal Canadian Medical Corps in this city in September 1939. They were among the first Guelphites to don khaki in the present conflict, and both went overseas about three years ago. The 11th Field Ambulance was one of the Canadian units which participated in the memorable raid on Dieppe in August, 1942.
To make the family military history more complete, Battery –Quarter—Master—Sergeant Kenneth Beacham, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Bell, is also overseas with the Canadian Forces. He enlisted here in the 63rd Field Battery RCA, and is now attached to a field regiment in Britain. (The Guelph Mercury 1-Mar-1944)