Incident
While returning from firearms drill at Saltburn, he examined a defective revolver and after firing a test shot he was handing it back to his Sergeant when it accidentally discharged and he was shot in the body and killed.
While returning from firearms drill at Saltburn, he examined a defective revolver and after firing a test shot he was handing it back to his Sergeant when it accidentally discharged and he was shot in the body and killed.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Constable Bell served with the North Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Constable Bell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
North Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary has lost 15 officers; 5 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 1,335 officers lost to accidents in ENG, 47.9% of the 2,786 remembered there.
William is one of 1,673 officers lost to accidents in United Kingdom, 44.1% of the 3,791 remembered there.
William is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1915, 2 officers at North Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1915, 17 officers in ENG were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 193 years on record. The heaviest was 1940, with 35.
In 1915, 18 officers in United Kingdom were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 194 years on record. The heaviest was 1940, with 40.
In 1915, 47 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 109th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 31. Of the 5 lost to accidents at North Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 51; the middle age was 36.
William was 31. Of the 1,310 lost to accidents in ENG whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 35.
William was 31. Of the 1,612 lost to accidents in United Kingdom whose age is recorded, half were between 27 and 43; the middle age was 35.
William was 31. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
July holds 20% of these deaths at North Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary; January holds the most, 20%. Thursdays: 20%.
July holds 7% of these deaths in ENG; January holds the most, 10.7%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths in United Kingdom; November holds the most, 9.9%. Thursdays: 15.3%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 15 deaths at North Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 47.9% of all 2,786 deaths in ENG, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 44.1% of all 3,791 deaths in United Kingdom, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
North Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary has 15 officers remembered here, William among them.
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Jabes Horner Jan 4, 1878
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John Robson Oct 27, 1880
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Thomas Jefferson Jul 28, 1888
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James Weedy Sep 19, 1890
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Thomas F Wilson Apr 7, 1915
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William L Bell Jul 22, 1915
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Thomas Deighton Oct 2, 1919
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Henry Walker Nov 27, 1927
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Richard Francis Hindmarch Aug 10, 1940
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Hubert Whitworth Adams Aug 25, 1940
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Edwin Henry Brooks Aug 25, 1940
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Joseph Roebuck Oct 21, 1941
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William John Smallwood Oct 21, 1941
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George Poulson
Aug 6, 1962
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George E Lain Jul 26, 1965
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from North Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary are honored on badge.nw.
