Harry Bell was born in Downham Market, England, in 1890, the fifth of seven children to watchmaker and jeweller William Bell and Sarah Porter. In February 1912, just six months after the death of eldest brother Thomas, he left his hometown to start a new life in Perth.
Harry quickly found employment as a clerk with the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Department. His football was played in the forward line with the YMCA club prior to enlisting with the 11th Battalion in mid-1915. His older brother, William, also answered the call by joining the newly formed Royal Air Force.
Harry joined his unit in Alexandria, Egypt, in March 1916 and five months later was appointed Lance Corporal. Soon after he was hit in the shoulder by shrapnel while fighting at Pozieres and spent close to two months recovering from his wounds. Two weeks before Christmas he was promoted to Corporal.
In mid-April 1917, Harry Bell was reported missing in action following the Battle of Lagnicourt. During that encounter he sustained wounds to the head and was captured by the German Empire at Morchies. Harry Bell wound remain a prisoner of war at Hohenzollen Park, Germany, through to his repatriation in early 1919.
Harry Bell married Coolgardie-born Doris Hardy, formerly of the Government Stores Department, in November 1919. Their only son, Ronald, was welcomed to the family home in Claremont six years later. Harry Bell returned to working for the Water Supply Department. In 1942 he re-enlisted with the Australian military, this time serving in the Citizen Military Forces.
Harry Bell passed away suddenly at his residence in Claremont on 16 June, 1953, at the age of 62.