David Bell was born on 25 October 1894, the son of Robert Arthur and Eveline Maud Bell of 31, Waldegrave Park, Strawberry Road, Middlesex. He joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet on 15 September 1907. He was promoted to Sub Lieutenant in March 1915, while serving in the Battleship HMS IRON DUKE.

His submarine training started in February 1916. After time in Submarine Depot Ships, he was appointed First Lieutenant of HMS E42. Promotion to Lieutenant followed on 15 October 1916. His Command potential was recognised, with an appointment to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS THAMES ‘for the Periscope Course’. His first (and only) Command was HMS C25.

C25 was very nearly lost on 6 July 1918. The submarine was on the surface at about noon when the Commanding Officer called the Second Captain (Sub Lieutenant Ronald Cobb) to come to the bridge to look at a flight of five seaplanes. As Cobb was about to go up, the order was given to dive, so he flooded all main ballast and went full ahead on the main motors. Several attacks were carried out by the aircraft, resulting in the deaths of Bell and several of the bridge team. Luckily at about 1245 he sighted and identified himself to HMS E51 (Lieutenant Commander Hugh R Marrack) by firing Very lights. Eventually the Destroyer HMS LURCHER arrived to take C25 in tow and take the submarine back to harbour.

David Courtnay Bell is buried in the Shotley (St Mary) Churchyard in the Submarine Enclosure.