Born in Creswick, near Ballarat, Victoria and a Miner by occupation, James Henry Bell was 33 years and married when enlisted on the 1st of May 1916 in the 8th Battalion, 20th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 6218. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 'Euripides' on the 11th of September 1916. Discharged on the 4th of November 1915 at Broadmeadows for Rheumatic Endocarditis. On the 4th of March 1917 admitted to Beaufort War Hospital Gun Shot Wound Back and face. On the17th of December 1917 reported missing in the field now reported British Prisoner of War in Germany. Repatriated arrived England on the 2nd of December 1918 and was listed as returned to Australia on the 5th March 1919. Discharged 3rd Military District ex 'Nevasa' on the 2nd of June 1919. War service: Western Front Tree No. 2367