Charles Gordon Bell
Charles Gordon Bell (1889-1918). Early aviator.
A well known pre-war aviator, Charles Gordon Bell (born 31st May 1889 at Paddington) was an experienced and aggressive pilot when he joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1914. The highest scoring Bristol Scout pilot of the war, he was posted to 10 Squadron and claimed 5 victories in 1915 before ill health forced his return to England at the end of the year. Famous for his stammer and the monocle he sometimes wore, he helped train James McCudden. He was killed during a test flight in 1918. [1]
Captain Gordon Bell, belonging to the British Air Force, was trying a new machine near Versailles when, through some unknown cause, the aeroplane crashed to the ground. The officer was killed on the spot. Captain Bell was a veteran aviator, and participated in the first trials which were organised in France. He afterwards went to Turkey, and on his return to England was seriously injured at Brooklands. He joined the aviation service on the outbreak of war. [2]
1912 Seriously injured when he crashed his plane at Brooklands in a stunt show. James Robert Branch Kennedy his passenger was killed.[3]
He died at Villacoubley 29 July 1918