Clifton WWII veteran Joffre Bell dies at 105 years old

Even in his final days, WWII veteran Joffre Bell was commemorating the lives lost in the war. Next Remembrance Day he will be one of the lives honoured and remembered:

One of Australia's oldest WWII veterans Joffre Bell passed away at the age of 105.

For about 80 years Joffre Bell has honoured the veterans lost in World War II every Remembrance Day.

Next Remembrance Day Joffre Bell will be one of the WWII veterans remembered.

At 105 years old, Mr Bell commemorated his last Remembrance Day earlier this month for all of the people he has lost since living through the deadliest war in human history.

He passed away on November 19 and will be remembered for the incredible life he lived and as one of Australia’s oldest WWII veterans.

Anzac Day service and Joffre Bell's 105th birthday celebration in April 2025.

Growing up in Clifton, Mr Bell was a flight observer and air traffic controller in the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force, and served in England, Canada, and Papua New Guinea.

Up until his final weeks he was honouring the lives that were lost in the war and every other conflict since then, and even went to the Remembrance Day at Carinity Brownesholme on November 11.

A young Joffre Bell of Clifton served in the Royal Australian Air Force from September, 1940, to January 1946.

Carinity Brownesholme Residential Manager Tanya Sheldrick said Mr Bell will be missed by everyone at the aged care home.

“Joffre was a deeply cherished member of the Carinity Brownesholme and Highfields community,” she said.

“At 105 years old, he was an inspiration to everyone, his vitality and spirit were truly remarkable.

Joffre Bell (far right) was one of ten Australian airmen pictured in front of a Wellington bomber at Pocklington airfield, Yorkshire, during World War II. Joffre was the only one of the ten Aussies to come home from the war.

“Though he often enjoyed his own company, whenever he joined group activities or attended local Highfields events, his witty comments and warm presence brought joy to all.

“He was admired not only for his longevity but for the grace and strength with which he lived.”

Mr Bell boarded at Southport School on the Gold Coast from age 11 and was the school’s oldest Old Boy.

The Old Southportonians’ Association shared a message on November 20 honouring his life almost 80 years since he graduated.

Joffre Bell commemorating his last Remembrance Day at Carinity Brownesholme Aged Care, days before he passed away at the age of 105.

The association said Mr Bell formed a legacy that continued to inspire the school and the generations of students to follow.

“It is with heavy hearts, entwined with deep gratitude for having him in our brotherhood, that we share the passing of Mr Joffre Bell (MCK1932-37),” the message said.

“A beacon of wisdom, kindness, generosity, inspiration, and humility, as well as extraordinary bravery in the RAAF and RAF during WWII, Mr Bell embodied the spirit of our community and left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.

Counting the days before his 100th birthday, Joffre Birdwood Bell, from Clifton. Photo Bev Lacey

“Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory, Mr Bell, forever a golden thread in the tapestry of memories at The Southport School and beyond.”

Up until his final year Mr Bell was still active with the school and the alumni association organised a joint celebration of his 105th birthday and Anzac Day in April 2025.

Mr Bell was also the only person to have met all nine Headmasters of the school.

Anzac Day service and Joffre Bell's 105th birthday celebration in April 2025.

Anzac Day service and Joffre Bell's 105th birthday celebration in April 2025.

Counting the days before his 100th birthday, Joffre Birdwood Bell, from Clifton. Photo Bev Lacey