Donald Bell VC has been awarded the PFA Merit Award at the 2014 PFA Awards at the Grosvenor House in London on Sunday.
2014 marks 100 years since World War 1 began in 1914. Two years later in 1916 Bell’s act of incredible bravery during the Battle of the Somme saw him recommended for the Victoria Cross. Second Lieutenant Bell became the only English professional footballer to have been awarded the Victoria Cross.
The PFA purchased his Victoria Cross at auction in 2010 for £250,000, which is on display at the National Football Museum, in Manchester.
Donald Bell was a pacey left footed player, who played for Crystal Palace, Bishop Auckland, Newcastle United and Bradford Park Avenue before he signed up for the First World War.
After the outbreak of war in 1914, Bell enlisted as a private in the 9th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, also known as The Green Howards.
On June 5 1916, during a break from the Front, Bell married Rhoda Bonson at Kirkby Stephen, Westmoreland.
Bell was then recalled to the Somme for the 'Big Push'. So many lost their lives on that horrific first day, including the then PFA chairman and England international Evelyn Lintott.
During the Battle of the Somme, whilst under heavy German fire, Bell attacked an enemy machine gun post, killing the gunner with his rifle and taking out 50 other military personnel with bombs.
His bravery saved many British soldiers and ensured a successful attack.
Although he was recommended for the VC, the news came too late for Bell, who died five days later, aged 25, while performing another heroic act. His VC was given to his widow, Rhoda.
A young man of 25 with his whole life in front of him was cut down like thousands more that fateful July as the British Army suffered huge casualties and gained very little territory in the process.
Donald Bell would never again grace the sporting field but his sacrifice on the battlefield ensured that his memory would live on and always be an important part of the PFA's history.
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