Mark Sever Bell

Who was Mark Sever Bell?

Colonel Mark Sever Bell VC CB was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Born in New South Wales, Australia, his family travelled to England when he was an infant.

He was educated at King's College School and King's College London, where he was made a Fellow in 1890.

Bell was 30 years old, and a Lieutenant in the Corps of Royal Engineers, British Army during the First Ashanti Expedition when the following deed took place on 4 February 1874 at the Battle of Ordashu, Ashanti for which he was awarded the VC:

For his distinguished bravery, and zealous, resolute, and self-devoted conduct at the battle of Ordahsu, on the 4th February, 1874, whilst serving under the immediate orders of Colonel Sir John Chetham McLeod, K.C.B., of the 42nd Regiment, who commanded the Advanced Guard.