Private Henry Bell (1463074) served in 9th (Londonderry) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery during the Second World War. He was the son of William McNiece Bell and Hannah Grace Louisa Bell of Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
The 9th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment became known as “The Derry Boys”. They fought alongside the Desert Rats in North Africa before taking part in the Italian invasion.
They landed at Salerno in September 1943 on D-Day + 6. While in Italy, they received praise for the accuracy and effectiveness of their shooting.
Gunners of 25 Battery, 9th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment (The Derry Boys) rush to their posts in Sidi Barrani on 27th June 1941.
Henry Bell died on 4th April 1944 aged 29 years old. He left behind a wife, Martha Bell of Harryville, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. His grave is in Section C, Square 17, Grave 19 of Ballymena Cemetery, Ballymena, Co. Antrim.