born on 3 April 1875 at Perth in Western Australia
My name is Frederick Bell and I represent ‘Young and free’ because during the
Boer War, while my unit was retreating under heavy fire, I went back on my horse and
picked up a fellow soldier who had lost his mount. Unfortunately, because of the extra
weight, my horse fell, so I insisted the other chap take my horse while I covered his
retreat. I was awarded the Victoria Cross for this action – the first to be awarded
to a Western Australian.
1901-2001 Centenary of
Federation