Norman Bell (1900-1918)
Low Flatts man served as a stoker in the Royal Navy on HMS Glatton
Norman Bell was born in Low Flatts on 5 April 1900. His father was hewer John Bell, born in Low Flatts in 1870. His mother was Elizabeth Ann Bell nee Bennison, born in Eldon in 1874. His parents married around 1897 and had five known children, made up of four boys and one girl. In 1901 the Bell family lived in Old Barley Mow, Birtley. By 1911 they had moved to 11 Derwent Terrace, Washington.
Coal miner Norman joined the Royal Navy on 9 May 1918 to serve for the duration of hostilities. He was rated as a stoker 2nd class and given the service number K51312. He joined the crew of the monitor HMS Glatton on 31 August 1918. Glatton suffered an internal explosion of her midships magazine in Dover Harbour on 16 September 1918 and was scuttled to put out the fire. A total of 60 crew were killed outright. Norman was one of 124 men injured and one of the 19 who later died from their injuries.
Norman died on 27 September 1918 and his body was returned to be buried in the south west part of St Mary’s Church Cemetery, Horden. There is an inscription on his headstone which reads “Sunshine passes, shadows fall, love and remembrance outlast all”.
Norman Bell was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in World War One.
For more information on HMS Glatton:
http://ww1countydurham.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-sinking-and-raising-of-hms-glatton.html
Civil Parish: Washington
Birth date: 05-Apr-1900
Death date: 27-Sep-1918
Armed force/civilian: Navy
Residence: Old Barley Mow, Birtley (1901 census)
11 Derwent Terrace, Washington (1911 census)
Employment: Coal miner (1918 Royal Navy service record)
Family: Parents: John Bell (b 1870), Elizabeth Ann Bell nee Bennison (b 1874)
Siblings: Neasham Bell (b 1897), James Bell (b 1903), John Bell (b 1908), Doris Bell (b 1910)
Military service:
K51312
Stoker 2nd class
Royal Navy
HMS Glatton
Medal(s): Victory Medal
British War Medal
Memorial(s): St Mary’s Church Cemetery, Horden (grave in south west part)
Screen 1914-18 Thorpe Road Cemetery, Horden
Roll of Honour 1914-18, St Mary’s Church, Horden
Gender: Male
Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham
