Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 26 July 1941

Missing Marine.

Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bell, of 152, Hirst Gate, Mexborough, have been informed that their only son, Marine John Henry Bell (19), is presumed missing on war service in Crete.

The letter, from the C.O. of the unit says that as yet there is insufficient evidence to show whether he is alive or not.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell received a letter from the C.O. on July 4th to say that Marine Bell was safe and in good health. This was followed first by a telegram intimating that he was missing and then by the aforementioned letter.

Marine Bell joined up soon after the outbreak of war. He was educated at Adwick Road School and worked as a miner at Denaby Main Colliery before joining up.