A recently melted glacier has uncovered the remains of Dennis Bell, a British scientist. Tragically, he gave his life on the ice in Antarctica 66 years ago. This discovery brings closure to his family and highlights the sacrifices made by early personnel involved in Antarctic exploration. Shortly afterwards, Dennis Bell took part in the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey, now known as the British Antarctic Survey. Tragically, at only 25 years of age, he was killed while working in Alaska in 1959 when he fell into a crevasse during geological survey work.
Her body was ultimately recovered from the Ecology glacier on King George Island bordering the Antarctic Peninsula. During his two-year tour, he had been posted to Admiralty Bay. At the time of the accident, he was doing important scientific work with colleagues Ken Gibson, Colin Barton, and Stokes. The team looked for him for some twelve hours before giving up the hope that anyone could survive such circumstances.
As these glaciers retreat at an alarming rate from the effects of climate change, they have exposed pieces of an ancient past, including Bell’s remains. Rescuers subsequently discovered his body, next to old music/dance photos, pamphlets, and student ID cards. Among the items were matching ski poles, a pipe, and an inscribed Erguel wristwatch. Among these, all of which were marked as belonging to him, were items such as radio equipment, a torch, and a Swedish Mora knife. These amazing artifacts give us rare insight into Bell’s life and contributions to Antarctic research.
Dennis Bell had in spades that creative, innovative spirit. His brother, David Bell, told us about Dennis’s early passion with all things tech.
“He built a radio from scratch, spending hours taking down morse code,” – David Bell
This find opens up exciting new possibilities for studying our scientific exploration history in Antarctica. As Professor Jane Francis said, the discovery is moving and important.
“The confirmation of the remains found on Ecology glacier as those of Dennis ‘Tink’ Bell is both a poignant and profound moment. Dennis was one of the many brave Fids personnel who contributed to the early science and exploration of Antarctica under extraordinarily harsh conditions,” – Prof Jane Francis
The toll on Bell’s family has been just as significant. David Bell and his sister Valerie were stunned when they received notice of their brother’s remains being discovered.
“When my sister Valerie and I were notified that our brother Dennis had been found after 66 years we were shocked and amazed,” – David Bell
Rod Rhys Jones, an authority on the history of Antarctica, highlighted the importance of this find. He emphasizes its role in the bigger picture of scientific pursuits happening in the area.
“The discovery of Dennis Bell brings sharply into focus the cost of scientific endeavour in Antarctica in the years before improved transportation and communication. Many of those lost were never found which makes this discovery the more remarkable,” – Rod Rhys Jones
Though Dennis Bell’s life was cut short, his legacy lives on through his scientific contributions and his family who remember him as a hero. David Bell, shown here on the right, said he has always looked up to his brother.
“Dennis was the oldest of three siblings and was my hero,” – David Bell
The remains were then transported by the Royal Air Force (RAF) from Antarctica to the Falkland Islands. From here, they were forwarded on to London. The British Antarctic Survey and the British Antarctic Monument Trust have handled this situation with impressive sensitivity. As you can tell from its creation, their handling of it reflects incredible reverence and care.