Third Radio Officer George Wilfred Bell died on 29th November 1941 when British merchant vessel S.S. Thornliebank exploded following a torpedo attack from U-43.
Third Radio Officer
Third Radio Officer George Wilfred Bell served in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War. He was the son of Joseph Bell and Rachel Marian Kathleen Bell of “Willismaur”, Knock, Portadown, Co. Armagh.
Third Radio Officer Bell died on 29th November 1941 aged 18 years old while serving on S.S. Thornliebank. At 0411hrs on 29th November 1941, U-43 fired two torpedoes, hitting the merchant vessel as it sailed with Convoy OS-12. Thornliebank exploded killing all on board.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bell, “Willismaur”, Knock, Portadown, have received official notification that their son, 3rd Radio Officer George Wilfred Bell, M.N., was lost at sea in November as a result of enemy action. George, as he was familiarly known to his friends in Portadown and Moyallon, left home to join his ship only eight weeks ago, having previously completed his course at the Wireless College.
He was educated at Moyallon P.E.S., where his mother is a teacher and also at Portadown College. Al College, he was a keen playing member of the Rugby XV, and cricket team, an enthusiastic Rover Scout of the Moyallon Crew, and a member of Seagoe Home Guard. He also played rugby for Portadown first XV.
A brilliant scholar, he held the school’s senior certificate and completed his course at the Wireless College in less than a year. Widespread sympathy is felt with the parents in their time of great sorrow.
Third Radio Officer Bell has no known grave and his name is on Panel 107 of the Tower Hill Memorial, London, England. In 2018, his name was a new addition to the Portadown War Memorial, Portadown, Co. Armagh.