The Ulster History Circle has unveiled a blue plaque to one of the heroes on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, Captain Eric Norman Frankland Bell, at Alma Terrace, Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen
Captain Bell, born on August 28 1895 in Enniskillen, was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honour for gallantry for his actions on July 1 1916 at Thiepval, France, and which led to his death. Aged just 20, he was attached to Light Trench Mortar Battery where he was in command. 
The citation reads; “For most conspicuous bravery. He was in command of a Trench Mortar Battery, and advanced with the Infantry in the attack. When our front line was hung up by enfilading machine gun fire Captain Bell crept forward and shot the machine gunner. Later, on no less than three occasions, when our bombing parties, which were clearing the enemy’s trenches, were unable to advance, he went forward alone and threw Trench Mortar bombs among the enemy. When he had no more bombs available he stood on the parapet, under intense fire, and used a rifle with great coolness and effect on the enemy advancing to counter-attack. Finally he was killed rallying and reorganising infantry parties which had lost their officers. All this was outside the scope of his normal duties with his battery. He gave his life in his supreme devotion to duty.”
The Ulster History Circle’s Chairman, Chris Spurr, said they were delighted to honour this hero of the Somme with a blue plaque placed on his birthplace in Enniskillen. 
The  plaque was unveiled by Tom Elliott MP.