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Name: |
BELL, James David, DFC |
Nationality: |
Canadian |
Regiment/Service: |
Royal Canadian Air Force |
Rank: |
Flying Officer |
Service No.: |
J/11221 |
Unit Text: |
No.218 Squadron |
Born: |
16 April 1916 - Montreal, PQ |
BELL, F/O James David (J11221) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.218 Squadron - Award effective 28 September 1943 as per London Gazette dated 15 October 1943 and AFRO 2386/43 dated 19 November 1943. Born in Montreal, 10 April 1916; home in Saint John, New Brunswick; enlisted Moncton, 28 May 1941. To No.31 BGS (guard duty), 3 July 1941. To No.1 ITS, 2 August 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 18 September 1941 when posted to No.20 EFTS, ceased training, 25 September 1941 and posted to Trenton; to No.10 AOS, 23 October 1941; to No.1 BGS, 30 January 1942; to No.2 ANS, 3 March 1942; graduated and commissioned 13 April 1942. To "Y" Depot, 14 April 1942; to RAF Trainee Pool, 8 May 1942 although sources also indicate arrival in Britain, as 22 June 1942. To No.1 (O) AFU. 22 July 1942. To Station Cottismore, 22 August 1942. To Conversion Flight, 11 December 1942. To No.218 Squadron, 17 February 1943. Date of repatriation uncertain. To No.1 PTU, 31 May 1945. To Release Centre, 23 November 1945; retired that day. Award sent by registered mail 1 June 1948.
This officer is a navigator of high merit. He has completed a large number of sorties and his efforts have contributed much to the successes obtained. On a recent occasion during a flight to Berlin an electrical storm was encountered. Displaying great skill, Flying Officer Bell unerringly guided his pilot to the target which was successfully bombed. This officer has displayed commendable courage and resource. |
SOURCE: Air Force Association of Canada website & Hugh Halliday (July 30, 2010).
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