Soldiers of the RegimentSergeant George
Hodgson Bell
George Hodgson Bell enlisted in September 1914 into the 5th Battalion
of the King's Own, he went overseas to the Western Front with the
1st/5th Battalion on 14th February 1915. His first number was
2829, which was changed in early 1917 to 240894. He later became
51312 which was to change to 3702996 as part of the army wide regimental
number system.
He was born in Dumfries and was occupied as a printer before enlisting.
After the war had finished he re-enlisted on 14th March 1919 in Dublin
at the age of 30 years and 6 months. He was posted to the 2nd
Battalion and went out to Burma with them. He was discharged with
the rank of Sergeant on 31st March 1921. His home address at the
time of discharge is given as 20 Wellington Road, Lancaster.
Obituary in Lion and Rose March 1960
‘George’ Bell died at Lancaster on 20 Dec 1959. He enlisted in The
King’s Own in Aug 1914, and proceeded to France with the 5th Battalion
in Feb 1915.
Returning from France in 1918 he served as CQMS of ‘B’ Company with the
4th Reserve Battalion in Dublin. After the war ended he joined the 2nd
Battalion and proceeded to Burma in Oct 1919. During his service with
the 2nd Battalion, he served in the Quartermaster’s Branch under Major M
Connell.
He retired from the Army in 1921 and returned to his trade as a printer.
In 1922 he was appointed to the Government Printing Department of the
Uganda Government, of which he eventually became the head, which he held
until his retirement in 1946. For his services in Uganda he was made an
officer of the OBE and awarded King George V Jubilee Medal. He was also
an officer of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
After retirement he took up residence in his native Lancaster and became
a frequent and popular visitor to the Depot.
He was a past chairman and vice-president of the Lancaster Branch of the
Regimental Association.
“George” Bell will be well remembered during the past few years by the
editors of The Lion and The Rose, to whom he gave valuable assistance.
Several Old Comrades attended his funeral.
Certificate for issue of Silver Jubilee Medal awarded to George Hodgson
Bell.
Accession Number: KO1017/112
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