Following Pearl Harbour and having been commissioned into the RAF, Colin Bell as retained by the American Army Air Corps as an advanced single engine flying instructor responsible for training American and British Cadets. On his return to the UK in 1943, he converted to twin engine Mosquito Bombers and joined 608 Squadron (Pathfinder Group) based at Downham Market inNorfolk.
During his tour of operations he carried out 50 bombing raids - all overGermany- 13 of them overBerlin. Subsequently, he was transferred to ferry duties bringing back newly built Mosquitos from Canada to the UK with stop-offs at Goose Bay, Labrador, Bluey West 1 (on the West coast of Greenland), Reykjavik in Iceland, and finally into Prestwick in Ayrshire, Scotland. He ended his full time RAF service in 1946 flying out of Blackbushe nr Camberley carrying Diplomatic mail to Embassies situated in various parts of Europe and Africa. Post World War 2, he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor, served for many years as a Government District Valuer, and finally set up his own firm, of which he is now the active Senior Partner, specialising in the valuation of industrial premises for rating purposes.
His interests outside his family include walking, touring the UK, supporting the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund through speaking engagements, socialising, and enjoying good food and wine. He is an active member of the Royal Air Force Club Dining Society and attends most of their functions. Until recently he served on the Committee of the Air Crew Association, Biggin Hill Wing. He was made a Freeman of the City of London on 13th January 1987 and of the the District of Huntingdonshire on 17th August 2013.
He married his late wife Kathlyn in July 1943, has two children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Colin lives in Royal Tunbridge Wells, the last resting place of Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, Chief of Fighter Command who master-minded the Air Defence of the UK in the Battle of Britain.
Public awareness: 1935 - 1939
Plans by the Nazis for the subjugation of the British population after a successful invasion
German Air supremacy over theUKa pre requisite before invasion.
The battle ofBritain - 1940. Defeat of the Luftwaffe.
The German air attacks on London, Plymouth, Coventry, Exeter, and Liverpool
Support given by the United States to the UK both before and after Pearl Harbour - Training given by the United States Army Air Corps to RAF U/T Pilots.
Reasons for the RAF Bomber Offensive. The early attacks on German Cities - the later attacks led by the Royal Air Force Pathfinder Force
Experiences of flying at night overGermanywhilst under attack.
The effectiveness of the Bomber Offensive from a German point of view
The political background and support for Sir Arthur Harris Commander in Chief Bomber Command - both during and after the War.
The Dresden Factor. V1, V2 & V3 German weapons.
From the applause as you finished, the generous collection for the RAF Benevolent Fund and your popularity in the bar afterwards, your visit and presentation to us yesterday was an obvious triumph. Agreeing to be an honorary member of our Vending 21 Club being the icing on the cake.
The date of our spring lunch and AGM is 16th April. The format is very much as The Phoenix Dinning Society, one of camaraderie and self-entertainment, but from the very positive texts and emails I have received last night and this morning I am sure that we will be looking out for suitable speakers for the future. The problem being you have now set the bar very high!
Ian Sutcliffe, Chairman, Vending 21 Club/Vending InternationalOn behalf of the Phoenix Dining Society of Cambridge I wish to express our thanks for your challenging and stimulating talk Over Berlin at night in a Mosquito Bomber.
This was an historic evening for the Society. I doubt if even the Knox Shaw Room of Sidney Sussex College has witnessed many such addresses. Our members found it all quite riveting, particularly your descriptions of the Air Defences of Berlin and your encounter with the German jet fighter.
To hear from someone who was actually involved and who can communicate to an audience personal experiences of the stress and dangers of air warfare, is an experience not to be missed. Your account of visiting Cambridge in the war, including visiting the Eagle Pub with its famous RAF inscriptions on the ceiling – including that of your Squadron – was also fascinating for us to hear. More than one member was heard to comment that you are a living history. You are a master of your subject and kept us enthralled from the beginning to end, including your erudite handing of questions.
Nigel Grimshaw, Phoenix Dining Society of CambridgeAs President of our Rotary club, may I congratulate you on your stimulating talk that enthralled all of us, including our guests the Mayor and Mayoress of Felixstowe, in celebrating our annual Rotary Club Charter Night.
Apart from the material 'Over Berlin at night in a Mosquito Bomber', which was rather special, we were greatly impressed by your ability to speak so clearly and concisely without recourse to microphone and speakers - and this is in a large dining room with over 75 persons present.
We were also left in no doubt that your survival and that your navigator in WW2 was due not only to the superb Canadian built Mosquito aircraft, but also in large part to intelligent forward planning, leadership and high morale, all of which has particular relevant to business life today.
Thank you again for greatly assisting in making our evening an outstanding success.
Tim Thompson, President, Rotary Club of Felixstowe
A dynamic and versatile speaker, Josh is able to draw upon his experience and expertise to give inf…