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The medal had been in New Zealand for
the previous 70 or more years. In 1916 it had been posthumously
awarded to Enniskillen born Captain Eric Norman Frankland
Bell.
Eric Bell's father was a quartermaster in the Royal
Inniskilling Fusiliers so it was no surprise that his
son followed in his father's footsteps and joined the
9th Battalion RIF.
On 1st July 1916 - A date which was later to become
known as the first day of the Battle of the Somme.-
Captain Bell was in command of a Trench Mortar Battery
at Thiepval, France. Here is the citation which accompanies
this prestigious medal.
Captain Eric Norman Frankland Bell
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Captain Eric Bell VC |
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" For most conspicuous bravery. He was in
command of a Trench Mortar Battery, and advanced
with the infantry in the attack, when the front
line was hung up by enfilading machine-gun fire.
Captain Bell crept forward and shot the machine-gunner.
Later, on no less than three occasions, when our
bombing parties, which were clearing the enemy's
trenches, were unable to advance, he crept forward
alone and threw trench-mortar bombs among the
enemy. When no more bombs were available, he stood
on the parapet under intense fire and used a rifle
with great coolness and effect on the enemy advancing
to counter-attack. Finally, he was killed rallying
and reorganizing infantry parties which had lost
their officers. All this was outside the scope
of his normal duties with his battery. He gave
his life in his supreme devotion to duty. "
His body was never recovered. |
Victoria Cross
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Capt. E.N.F.Bell's VC |
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The Medal came into the possession of Bell relatives
in New Zealand who many years later generously
decided it's rightful place was in the safe keeping
of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers' Museum, in
Enniskillen. And so, through intermediaries, they
eventually arranged for it to be handed back to
the regiment. It is now housed in the Castle Keep,
Enniskillen Castle.
Visitors to the museum can see this actual VC
proudly displayed beside Captain Bell's portrait
and citation
All told, the members of the regiment won
eight VC's during World War I, several of which
can be seen in the museum. |
Exhibits
Of course this VC is not the only exhibit. There are
hundreds of items on display and the venue is visited
by many different groups and individuals, all with their
own reasons to visit. Many are descendants of soldiers
looking for help in tracing family history. The museum
has a vast library of documents and photographs, and
for family members are willing to help in this research.
History
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Irish Volunteers coat 1778 |
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Formed in 1689, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
regiment lost it's identity over three centuries
later in 1968 when it was amalgamated with two
other regiments to become the Royal Irish Rangers,
which itself later joined with the Ulster Defence
Regiment to become the Royal Irish Regiment.
With such a long and distinguished history, it
is no surprise that also among the visitors are
model soldier collectors and makers who come to
see the various uniforms to ensure their own copies
are correct. Badge collectors find the exhibits
of great interest too.
This photo shows one of the oldest uniforms on
display. It is a coat of the Irish Volunteers
which was formed in 1778 under Captain James Armstrong.
On the buttons is a drawing of Enniskillen Castle
with the words "Independent Enniskilleners"
The Regimental Museum at Enniskillen Castle
is open to the public. (www.inniskilling.com)
THE BBC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
THE CONTENT OF EXTERNAL SITES |
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See also:
Somme
hero: Robert Quigg VC 1885 - 1955
Battle
of the Somme
Battle
of the Somme - Memorabilia
The
Larne Fallen
An
Enniskillen VC
Lurgan
Men in the Great War
World
War I: Soldiers of Down
The
Peake Brothers at War 1914-18
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