Reginald Herbert Wilberforce-Bell

Lieutenant Reginald Herbert Wilberforce-Bell – Canadian Expeditionary Force, 28^th Battalion

Early Life and Family Background

Reginald Herbert Wilberforce-Bell was born in Edinburgh, either in 1887 or 1889, the son of Harold Wilberfosse Bell and Lucy Wilson, and the grandson of William Henry Bell and Jane Wilberfoss.

His father, Harold, had a distinguished military career, serving as a Captain in the British Army and seeing action during the Second Afghan War (1878–80). After retiring, Harold became a Military Knight of Windsor. By deed poll, Harold assumed the surname Wilberforce, creating the family’s distinctive double-barrelled name, Wilberforce-Bell. The family resided at The White House, Grafton, Marlborough, Wiltshire.

The Wilberforce-Bell family claimed ancestry with the notable reformer William Wilberforce, the principal campaigner for the Slave Trade Act of 1807, linking Reginald to one of Britain’s most significant humanitarian legacies.

Emigration to Canada

In 1904, Reginald emigrated to Canada, first settling in Ontario, where he worked in fruit and wheat farming. Later, he moved west to Battleford, Saskatchewan, where he established himself as part of the growing settler community.

By February 1914, Reginald had joined the 105^th Saskatoon Fusiliers as a Lieutenant. When the First World War broke out in August 1914, he volunteered for Imperial Service and was posted to the 28th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Military Service in the First World War

That winter, the 28th Battalion undertook training in Canada before sailing to the UK in May 1915. They were stationed at Shorncliffe Camp, Folkestone, Kent, for further preparation before crossing to France in September 1915.

Their first assignment was at Kemmel, Ypres, Belgium, where they entered the trenches for the first time. The rotation system involved four days in the front line, four in reserve, and four at rest.

On the Battalion’s second tour of the trenches, beginning 18^th October 1915, disaster struck when the Germans detonated two mines under Canadian positions. The explosions caused devastating casualties: 19 men were killed and 30 wounded, including Reginald, who was serving as a Machine Gun Officer. Despite the destruction, the Canadians held their ground, preventing the Germans from advancing.

Wounds and Medical Report

Reginald was evacuated back to the UK for treatment. At Mrs. Analdis’ hospital in London, a medical board reviewed his case. The report stated:

“This officer was shocked by shell and mine explosion in October 1915. In rescuing his men, who had been buried, he strained his heart and has now aortic regurgitation, with irregular action of the heart. He is steadily improving.”

The board diagnosed him with debility and disordered action of the heart, recommending two months’ leave to recover.

Convalescence and Death

For his convalescence, Reginald was sent to Wales, arriving first at Penrice Castle Red Cross Hospital on the Gower Peninsula. However, his condition worsened. On 24^th January 1916, he was admitted to a nursing home at 41 Walters Road, Swansea, where his health rapidly declined.

Just two days later, on 26^th January 1916, Lieutenant Reginald Herbert Wilberforce-Bell died from his injuries and heart complications.

Burial

 Reginald Herbert Wilberforce-Bell
Danygraig Cemetery

On 28^th January 1916, Reginald was buried with full military honours at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea. His gravestone refers to his actions in October 1915, during the mine explosion at Ypres.

A further memorial to Reginald can be found at St. Nicholas’ Church, Grafton, Wiltshire, near the family home.

Legacy

Though largely forgotten today, Reginald’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and heritage. Descended from a family with deep military and social significance, he carried their traditions into the battlefields of Belgium.

As a Canadian officer, his journey from Edinburgh to Saskatchewan, then to the Western Front, and finally to Danygraig Cemetery in Swansea, reflects the truly global nature of the First World War. His actions in rescuing his buried men, despite the strain on his own health, stand as a testament to his bravery.

Reginald Herbert Wilberforce-Bell’s grave at Danygraig is a reminder not only of his sacrifice but also of the many international connections forged in Swansea during the Great War.