Bell, James Stark: Lieutenant (Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross)

Digitized Service Record

Source: War Diary.

Digitized Service Record

Attended University of Toronto. War Supplement lists him as Bell, James Stark, Lieut.; 18 Bn.: U.C. ’11.

Mentioned in personal diary by John Newton:

Thursday July 19, 1917

Warm and sultry.

At the Battery all day and in the evening went up to the H.Q. of the 18th Battalion. Found that the O.C. Lieut-Col. Jones was my one time mathematical Master at Sarnia Collegiate. Also found Jimmie Bell was a Captain in the Battalion. The rest of the boys seemed to be a good bunch of scouts.

Attestation papers show attested at West Sandling but CEF Cert. of Service indicates he joined on November 28, 1914. Served in England and France. 2nd Divisional Machine Gun School.

Earned the Military Cross and Distinguished Service Order (LG #31119, 11/1/19). Mentioned in Dispatches (LG #31089, 31/12/18 and #31448, 11/7/19)

Military Cross Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when Adjutant to his battalion. At a critical time, when two platoons in an isolated position were harassed by heavy shelling, he went forward, reorganized the position, and established connection with the company on their flank. He secured this badly battered sector of trench by means of skillfully placed advanced posts and held on under heavy shell fire. He again went forward at night and established a system of reliefs for this difficult part of the line. His work was of the greatest value, and he displayed the utmost pluck and devotion to duty at a critical time.

Distinguished Service Order Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the officer commanding had become a casualty he took command of the battalion and handled it in critical circumstances with great ability. His fine example of personal courage under heavy fire and his energy encouraged his men and inspired them with great confidence.