Today we commemorate the death of our mate Alec who was Killed in Action on this day in 1968
Biography of Alec E. J. Bell
Alec Bell was born in Perth, in the state of Western Australia, AUSTRALIA, on the 28th March 1946
He was a National Serviceman.
He served in Vietnam as a platoon medic with the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, from the 8th April 1967 until his death on the 29th January 1968
… the fatal action in Vietnam …
Private ‘Dinga’ Bell was platoon medic on the late afternoon of 29 January 1968. In the first few moments of the contact with the enemy the Platoon Commander, 2Lt O’Brien, and all the NCOs were wounded including Private Bell who had received a direct hit from a rocket. Even though shockingly wounded, Private Bell tried to get to the other wounded. When he could not move he gave orders to another soldier as to how to help them. Even when we finally got him on to the Dustoff stretcher, Private Bell was still giving advice as to the care of the other wounded. As he was lifted up through the trees the enemy opened fire again.
The Dustoff was forced to leave the area with Private Bell and stretcher hanging underneath. It was later learned that he was dead on arrival at the hospital.
Alec is remembered in his home state of Western Australia
The Town of Victoria Park WA has named a park after Pte Alec Bell, ( 7RAR 1st Tour ) KIA 29 January 1968 .
Sgt Bourke, page 113 “Conscripts and Regulars”, describes Alec’s actions as “the bravest act he saw in Vietnam”.
Above are photos taken by his niece Lisa and a video of the address given by Ian Garthwaite aka( Lt Ian Gay ) Alec’s Platoon Commander.
Hopefully similar dedications of those KIA in SVN will be followed by other shires, cities and towns in Australia.
Served at recruit training with this soldier. Have never known how he died. I can imagine him to be that dedicated to his roll.
Thanks kev His story is now complete to me. I will never forget that smile…. R.I.P. Ding Dong