| Surname: | Bell |
| Initials: | L R N |
| Rank: | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Army Number: | 359215 |
| Notes: | CMP. SIB. Formerly General Service Corps. Discharged to Commission. London Gazette 37419, page 239, 4/1/46. General List. the undermentioned are granted Immediate Emergency Commussions from the ranks in the rank of 2/Lt. 14427654 Sgt Leonard Roland Norman Bell (359215) from CMP. From Halifax. 73 S.I.S. 21 L of C Sub Area. History of the West Riding Constabulary 1856 - 1968 by Jack Alderson, page A37. Formerly PC 96 West Riding Constabulary who joined the force 16/7/1939 and was posted to Keighley. Went to Police HQ in 1942 and then to Ripon 8/9/1942. Joined HM Forces 6/5/1944. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Member of the British Empire (London Gazette: Page: None) |
| Citation: | North West Europe. Citation for MBE: This Warrant Officer has shown outstanding and ceaseless devotion to duty in this theatre of operations from July 16th 1944 until May 5th 1945. Some of the outstanding cases successfully investigated by him are cited below.CAEN October 1944. Rape and attempted Murder of two French girls by American coloured troops. With no information, the case a week old, Bell commenced his enquiry at CAEN. He pursued itt with great persistency, trailing the offenders through FRANCE, BELGIUM, and HOLLAND and with but the flimsiest of evidence arrested them near ARNHEM, proved the case and obtained conviction. DEAUVILLE December 1944. Bell here played a big part in breaking up a gang of deserter-racketeers, arresting 12 soldiers and 19 civilians. All the racketeers were armed and vigorously resisted arrest. He set an excellent example to other members of the section throughout the case, always choosing the most dangerous tasks himself. The successful completion of this investigation, for which he was so largely responsible, resulted in the breaking up of the largest Black Market racket, in the British Area in FRANCE. W.D. Property to the value of 11,000 was recovered and the total preventative value was may times that amount. CAEN January 1945. Bell took charge of a difficult investigation into a succession of Rape cases. He showed great persistence in his enquiries and arrested the offender on a description of the vaguest nature. Many outstanding performances could be quoted. His zeal and efficiency throughout was an excellent example to those who served with him. Capt W T Jones DAPM 73 SIS. Brig G S Knight Comd 21 L of C Sub Area, Maj Gen G Surtees Comd HQ L of C.National Archive WO 373/86. |