Son of Robert Bell (Advocate, Sheriff Substitute at Falkirk) and Agnes Bell. Born at Falkirk in 1879. Educated at George Watson's College, Edinburgh in 1888-96, and played for the 1st XV. in his last session at School. Having emigrated to South Africa in 1897, he served in Natal Mounted Police prior to and during the South African War, towards the end of which he was transferred to Locksley's Scouts. At the outbreak of the late war, he was Native Labour Superintendent, South African Railways. Served in the South African Campaign; also in German South West Africa. Granted a commission as Lt. in the South Africa Engineering Corps, he served throughout the campaign in German South West Africa, and on its termination enlisted as a Pte. in the S.A. Scottish. Promoted 2/Lt. a few days later, he was sent to Egypt and took part in the campaign against the Senussi.