Went missing 66 years ago, British researcher's remains found in Antarctica as glacier melts
Bell, who was working for the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey — now the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) — fell into a crevasse on the Ecology Glacier in July 1959, just weeks after his 25th birthday, according to the British Antarctic Survey.
Despite desperate rescue attempts by his colleague Jeff Stokes, Bell was lost, and harsh weather prevented further recovery efforts.
In January this year, a Polish research team from the Henryk Arctowski Antarctic Station found human remains along with more than 200 personal items, including ski poles, a Swedish Mora knife, a wristwatch, a radio, a torch, and an ebonite pipe stem. DNA testing at King's College London confirmed the remains belonged to Bell, the British Antarctic Survey added.
The British Antarctic Survey quoted Bell's brother David, speaking from Australia. He said, 'When my sister Valerie and I were notified that our brother Dennis had been found after 66 years we were shocked and amazed.'
David added, 'The British Antarctic Survey and British Antarctic Monument Trust have been a tremendous support and together with the sensitivity of the Polish team in bringing him home have helped us come to terms with the tragic loss of our brilliant brother.'
Born in Harrow, north-west London, Bell had worked as a radio operator in the Royal Air Force (RAF) before joining the Antarctic survey in 1958. Known for his humour, resourcefulness, and love for husky dogs, he was responsible for meteorological observations, cooking duties, and mapping largely unexplored areas of King George Island.
Director of the British Antarctic Survey Professor Dame Jane Francis called the confirmation of Bell's identity 'a poignant and profound moment', adding, 'Dennis was one of the many brave Fids personnel who contributed to the early science and exploration of Antarctica under extraordinarily harsh conditions.'
Bell's remains were transported to the Falkland Islands before being flown to London by the RAF. His family is now planning how to commemorate his life and service.
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