The AIF Project

Leslie Stothert BELL

Regimental number17509
Place of birthAdelaide, South Australia
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationClerk
AddressSouth Brisbane, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, Rev W Bell, 'Thurso', Vulture Street, South Brisbane, Queensland
Enlistment date30 October 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameApril 1917 Reinforcements
AWM Embarkation Roll number26/99/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 1 August 1917
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll11th Field Ambulance
FateReturned to Australia 7 July 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On 29th September, 1918, East of RONSSOY, Private BELL was one of four bearers attached to 44th Battalion in the attack upon the "Hindenberg Line". In their advance towards the line, they were exposed to heavy enemy fire from the ridge. During the advance Bell with his fellow stretcher bearers attended to the wounded and carried on the evacuation under heavy shell and machine gun fire. Later when the Aid Post had been established, BELL worked unceasingly for forty-eight hours, carrying over difficult and heavily shelled country. His efforts did much towards the speedy evacuation of the wounded. On one occasion whilst carrying a patient he and his squad were blown up and partially buried, but, nevertheless, carried on until the patients were safely evacuated.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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