As part of our project to document the names on Duncan’s Cenotaph in Charles Hoey Park on Canada Avenue, here is what we know about Alan Robert Bell (1885-1915), who died, aged 30, in France on 24 May 1915:

“Private Alan Robert Bell, 7th Battalion, killed in action, (June 18 list) was born near Surbiton England, and was just 30 years of age. He was educated at Bradford College and came out to Canada in 1910. He worked on a ranch near Millarville, Alberta, for some time and later came to Duncan, where he was articled to Mr. H.N. Clague, surveyor in April 1912.

He joined the 88th Regiment last fall, immediately after returning from his summer`s work on Nootka Island, and went to the front with the 30th Battalion reinforcements to the 7th Battalion. He had many friends in Cowichan and was esteemed by all who knew or worked with him.”

(source: Cowichan Leader, 24 June 1915, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)

Alan Robert Bell was a member of Temple Lodge, No.33 in Duncan.  More information about him is available on the Temple Lodge, No.33 website.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Information

Alan Robert Bell; Rank: Private; Service Number: 77438; Age: 30:  Date of Death: 24 May 1915; Canadian Infantry, 7th Battalion, British Columbia Regiment; No Known Grave, commemorated on Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Other Links:

Temple Lodge, No.33, Duncan – War Dead;

Do you want to leave a comment or a question about anything on this page?