1846 Pattern Royal Navy Sword that belonged to Lt. Kenelm Bell. For sale

Kenelm Stewart Leith Bell joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet in 1931 and by 1937 had risen to the rank of Lieutenant on 16 March 1937. He gained his Pilots wings and served during the Second World War as a Lieutenant with No. 813 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm. Flying Fairey Swordfish Torpedo Bombers off the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Eagle.

At the outbreak of the WW2 the Squadron saw service in China Station with H.M.S. Eagle, providing convoy protection and searches for enemy shipping.

In March 1940 she sailed to Singapore and then to the Mediterranean.

At the start of September she was joined by H.M.S. Illustrious, and on 4 September 1940 attacked the Italian airfield at Maritza, Rhodes. Kenelm joined the attack and acted as Observer on Swordfish K8414 E4-K.

The report of the operation from Eagle’s Commanding Officer states:

‘03:43 H.M.S. Eagle in position 241 degrees, 12.5 miles from position ‘A’ with seven swordfish ranged... alterations in surface wind caused delays in flying off aircraft... aircraft arrived over target late 06:16. Measure of surprise lost as aircraft had to fly up the coast... enemy fighters made contact after all aircraft had bombed the target... attacked using 250lb and 500lb bombs. Target badly damaged.’

Four of the Squadron’s Swordfish were lost on the raid, being shot down by defending Fiat CR32 and CR42 fighters. Two further Swordfish came down out of fuel, one at Scarpanto, and the other over the sea. These losses were No. 813 Squadron’s (and H.M.S. Eagle’s) heaviest in any single mission of the War.

Kenelm Stewart Leith Bell aged 26 was amongst those killed. 

He is commemorated on the Lee-on-Solent Memorial.

Condition:

The sword is solid. The blade is clean but has patches of pitting. The scabbard is in very good condition.

The grip is intact and still has the original sword knot.

This is a solid historical sword and a tribute to a brave young Sailor.

Please see pictures for a more complete description. 

Price includes shipping!

UK Buyers - It is an offence to sell bladed weapons to under 18s. Proof of age will be required.