Name
Clarence James Sell
14 June 1891
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
10/07/1916
25
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
12126
Bedfordshire Regiment
6th Bn.
"D" Coy.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
MEAULTE MILITARY CEMETERY
D. 22.
France
Headstone Inscription
SON OF JAMES AND LAURA SELL, OF BISHOPS STORTFORD,HERTS. R.I.P.
UK & Other Memorials
Bishop's Stortford Town Memorial
Pre War
Clarence James Sell was born in Bishop's Stortford on 14 June 1891, the eldest twin son of James and Laura Sell and baptised at St Michael’s Bishop's Stortford on 16 August 1891. His twin was Clarice Florence Sell.
He was educated at St Mary’s convent school in Bishop's Stortford and at Hockerill school. He was keen football player and was vice-captain of the Bishop's Stortford Football Club. On the 1911 Census he was living with his family at 5 Thornfields Road, Bishop's Stortford. He later worked as a Tobacconist’s Manager.
Wartime Service
He enlisted early in August 1914 and served with the Bedfordshire Regiment in the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 30 July 1915. He died at a the 70th Field Ambulance from wounds received in action near Fricourt, during the Battle of the Somme, and was buried near Albert.
A comrade wrote: "On one occasion whilst out with his officer he showed great pluck and coolness when one of our parties ran into a German patrol. For this he was recommended to our Commanding Officer."
Additional Information
His father, J O Sell, Rosebank, Hadham Road, Bishop's Stortford, ordered his headstone inscription: "SON OF JAMES AND LAURA SELL, OF BISHOPS STORTFORD,HERTS. R.I.P.". His father James received a war gratuity of £8 10s and pay owing of £12 10s 9d.
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer, Derry Warners
