BELL, James (1900-1979)

Modified on Thu, 11 Aug 2016 18:57 by Con — Categorized as: Biography - All, Biography - Students, Geelong College, Biography of War - World War I

BELL, James (1900-1979)

James Bell was born on 2 March 1900. He became a day student at Geelong College from 1909 through to 1917. His address at entry was 'Airlie', Western Beach and he was enrolled by A H Bell. James Bell has two Valette listings in August 1916 and May 1918 suggesting that he may have left the School in mid 1916 and returned later.

He enlisted (No. 60651) as a Private in the AIF, 7th Battalion, on 2 March, 1918 and embarked for France with General Service Reinforcements on 23 July on HMAT A74 Marathon. He returned to Australia, embarking on 24 January 1919.
He went to the University of Melbourne, 1919-1921, completing three years of a medical course.

He enlisted in the RAAF on 8 Dec 1936 as he held an ‘A’ class flying licence (no.1351), and had flown 73 hours dual and solo. He served (No. 300318) as a Sergeant at Air Force Headquarters, but was discharged on 13 August 1940 as the Air Force considered him over the age for flying.

James Bell died on 14 May 1979.

His brothers, Harry Hugh Bell 1901-1991), and George Clarke Bell (1903-1997), also attended Geelong College.

Sources: Based on an edited extract from Geelong Collegians at the Great War p 136 and Geelong Collegians at the Second World War and subsequent conflicts p 124 compiled by James Affleck (citing National Archives; Pegasus; Australian War Memorial).